Self-forgetfulness is a concept that emerges from the Christian call to humility, service, and love for others, as exemplified in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. It involves a conscious decision to set aside one's own interests, desires, and ego in favor of serving God and others. This virtue is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative and is essential for spiritual growth and maturity.

Biblical Foundations

The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings that highlight the importance of self-forgetfulness. In Philippians 2:3-4, the Apostle Paul exhorts believers: "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." This passage underscores the call to prioritize others above oneself, a hallmark of self-forgetfulness.

Jesus Christ is the ultimate model of self-forgetfulness. In Philippians 2:5-8, Paul describes the humility of Christ: "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross." Jesus' willingness to relinquish His divine privileges and endure suffering for the sake of humanity exemplifies the essence of self-forgetfulness.

Practical Application

Self-forgetfulness is not about neglecting oneself or denying one's worth; rather, it is about finding one's identity and purpose in Christ. In Matthew 16:24-25, Jesus calls His followers to a life of self-denial: "If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it." This paradoxical teaching highlights that true life and fulfillment are found in surrendering one's own will to the will of God.

The practice of self-forgetfulness is evident in acts of service and love. In John 13:14-15, Jesus washes the feet of His disciples and instructs them: "So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example so that you should do as I have done for you." This act of humility and service is a tangible expression of self-forgetfulness, encouraging believers to serve others without seeking recognition or reward.

Spiritual Benefits

Self-forgetfulness leads to spiritual freedom and joy. By focusing less on oneself and more on God and others, believers can experience a deeper sense of peace and contentment. In Galatians 2:20, Paul declares, "I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me." This transformation allows believers to live a life that reflects the character of Christ, marked by love, humility, and selflessness.

Challenges and Misunderstandings

While self-forgetfulness is a noble pursuit, it can be misunderstood or misapplied. It is not about self-neglect or passivity but about actively choosing to prioritize God's will and the needs of others. It requires discernment and balance, ensuring that one's own spiritual and emotional health is maintained while serving others.

In summary, self-forgetfulness is a vital aspect of the Christian life, rooted in the example of Jesus Christ and the teachings of Scripture. It calls believers to a life of humility, service, and love, ultimately leading to a deeper relationship with God and a more meaningful existence.

Letter xviii. --Fruit of Death to Self.
... On no account, Reverend Mother, leave off this total self-forgetfulness to which
I have so often exhorted you, and which the divine goodness has effected in you ...
/.../de caussade/abandonment to divine providence/letter xviii fruit of death to.htm

Good-Friday.
... DAY we should visit in spirit the cross of Jesus, for every day we need the merit
of the atonement, and the stimulus of that example of self- forgetfulness. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/champness/broken bread/xxii good-friday.htm

Cannot and Can
... But it was only for a moment that either of these two absorbed His thoughts; and
with wonderful self-forgetfulness and self-command, He turned away at once ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture i/cannot and can.htm

"A More Excellent Way. "
... The intense hatred of sin, the purity, the gentleness and patience, the warm sympathy,
the constant self-forgetfulness and self-sacrifice, the eagerness to win ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks with world winners/a more excellent way.htm

Letter vi. --Fear of Wasting Time.
... faith which make us turn away from sin, love God and our neighbour, detach us from
creatures, and lead us to obedience, self-forgetfulness, complete submission ...
/.../de caussade/abandonment to divine providence/letter vi fear of wasting time.htm

Entering into the Infinite
... Where you find unbroken gentleness, enduring patience, sublime lowliness, graciousness
of speech, self-control, self-forgetfulness, and deep and abounding ...
//christianbookshelf.org/allen/the way of peace/entering into the infinite.htm

Christ's Plea for Ignorant Sinners
... what they do.""Luke 23:34. WHAT tenderness we have here; what self-
forgetfulness; what almighty love! Jesus did not say to those ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 38 1892/christs plea for ignorant sinners.htm

Soldier Priests
... of life. That spirit of lofty consecration and utter self-forgetfulness must
be ours, if we would be Christ's soldiers. Our obedience ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/soldier priests.htm

Introduction.
... to every impression, its gaze of child-like wonder, and eager welcome to whatsoever
things are lovely, its simplicity and self-forgetfulness, its yearnings ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/the life of david/i introduction.htm

Man's Life his Monument.
... Well says the writer of this true story, "words would be wasted in saying more of
the perfect humanity, and noble self-forgetfulness of a man, who gave up his ...
/.../the life of duty a years plain sermons v 2/sermon xxxviii mans life his.htm

Self-forgetfulness (1 Occurrence)
Self-forgetfulness. Self-exaltation, Self-forgetfulness. Self-glory .
Multi-Version Concordance Self-forgetfulness (1 Occurrence). ...
/s/self-forgetfulness.htm - 6k

Outspoken (3 Occurrences)
... 2 Corinthians 10:1 But as for me Paul, I entreat you by the gentleness and
self-forgetfulness of Christ--I who when among you have not an imposing personal ...
/o/outspoken.htm - 7k

Imposing (8 Occurrences)
... 2 Corinthians 10:1 But as for me Paul, I entreat you by the gentleness and
self-forgetfulness of Christ--I who when among you have not an imposing personal ...
/i/imposing.htm - 9k

Fearlessly (10 Occurrences)
... 2 Corinthians 10:1 But as for me Paul, I entreat you by the gentleness and
self-forgetfulness of Christ--I who when among you have not an imposing personal ...
/f/fearlessly.htm - 9k

Dealing (36 Occurrences)
... 2 Corinthians 10:1 But as for me Paul, I entreat you by the gentleness and
self-forgetfulness of Christ--I who when among you have not an imposing personal ...
/d/dealing.htm - 17k

Personal (15 Occurrences)
... 2 Corinthians 10:1 But as for me Paul, I entreat you by the gentleness and
self-forgetfulness of Christ--I who when among you have not an imposing personal ...
/p/personal.htm - 11k

Self-exaltation (1 Occurrence)
Self-exaltation. Self-disparagement, Self-exaltation. Self-forgetfulness . ...
(See NAS). Self-disparagement, Self-exaltation. Self-forgetfulness . ...
/s/self-exaltation.htm - 7k

Self-glory (1 Occurrence)
Self-glory. Self-forgetfulness, Self-glory. Self-honoured . Multi-Version
Concordance ... (BBE). Self-forgetfulness, Self-glory. Self-honoured . Reference
/s/self-glory.htm - 6k

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