Selfishness, as a concept, is often depicted in the Bible as a deviation from the divine ideal of love and selflessness. It is characterized by an excessive focus on one's own desires, needs, and interests, often at the expense of others. This behavior is contrary to the teachings of Christ, who exemplified selflessness and sacrificial love.

Biblical Examples and Teachings

1. Philippians 2:3-4: The Apostle Paul admonishes believers to act with humility and consider others above themselves. He writes, "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 highlights the contrast between selfish ambition and the Christian call to selflessness.

2. James 3:14-16: James warns against the dangers of selfishness, linking it to disorder and evil practices. "But if you harbor bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast in it or deny the truth. Such wisdom does not come from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every evil practice." Here, selfishness is associated with negative spiritual influences and societal chaos.

3. 1 Corinthians 10:24: Paul instructs the Corinthians, "No one should seek his own good, but the good of others." This directive underscores the importance of prioritizing the welfare of others over personal gain, reflecting the heart of Christian community and fellowship.

4. Luke 12:16-21: Jesus tells the parable of the rich fool, who hoards his wealth without regard for others or acknowledgment of God. The man says to himself, "You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take it easy; eat, drink, and be merry!" But God calls him a fool, for his life is demanded of him that very night. This account illustrates the futility and spiritual peril of living a life centered on self-interest.

5. Proverbs 18:1: "He who isolates himself pursues selfish desires; he rebels against all sound judgment." This proverb warns against the isolation that often accompanies selfish pursuits, suggesting that such behavior leads to poor decision-making and a departure from wisdom.

Theological Implications

Selfishness is fundamentally at odds with the nature of God, who is love (1 John 4:8). The life and teachings of Jesus Christ provide the ultimate model of selflessness, as He laid down His life for humanity (John 15:13). Christians are called to emulate this self-giving love, which is the essence of the Gospel message.

The pursuit of self-interest is often linked to the fallen nature of humanity, a result of the original sin that introduced selfish desires into the human heart. The Bible consistently calls believers to overcome this inclination through the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, who enables them to live in accordance with God's will.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, overcoming selfishness involves a conscious effort to align one's actions with the teachings of Scripture. This includes:

· Practicing generosity and hospitality, as encouraged in Hebrews 13:2.
· Engaging in acts of service and kindness, following the example of Jesus (Mark 10:45).
· Cultivating a spirit of gratitude and contentment, as advised in 1 Timothy 6:6-8.
· Seeking reconciliation and peace in relationships, as instructed in Matthew 5:23-24.

By actively seeking the good of others and prioritizing communal well-being, believers can reflect the love of Christ and counteract the pervasive influence of selfishness in the world.1 Corinthians 10:33
Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Philippians 2:21
For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Be not Conformed to this World. Romans 12:2.
... He exhibited the same spirit that God does, who enjoys ... They are following selfishness
on a larger scale ... sell on the principle of not seeking our own wealth, but ...
/.../finney/lectures to professing christians/be not conformed to this.htm

Attributes of Love.
... to seek their gratification, instead of seeking the highest ... states of the sensibility
that tend to selfishness. ... of Christ is more strikingly exhibited than this ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture xv attributes of love.htm

Messiah's Easy Yoke
... and remember, are more repeatedly and forcibly exhibited before our ... our pride, to
cure us of selfishness, and to ... yet attained it, whether you are seeking it in ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 1/sermon xv messiahs easy yoke.htm

Christian Sympathy
... God that made them, have yet exhibited bowels of ... find in Christ a grain of selfishness,
consecrate yourselves ... hurt than good, for while seeking to vindicate ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 8 1863/christian sympathy.htm

Discourse viii. The Help of Religion.
... need among us; so much stony-hearted selfishness; so much ... no continuing city, and
you are seeking one to ... is not this the alternative which is exhibited in the ...
/.../chapin/humanity in the city/discourse viii the help of.htm

Semi-Parasitism.
... soul within the pale of Rome, seeking, like Adam ... reduces the end of religion to
selfishness, and offers ... The form of parasitism exhibited by a certain section ...
/.../drummond/natural law in the spiritual world/semi-parasitism.htm

Letter ix. Meditation.
... Satan will be continually seeking to divert your mind; but do not be discouraged ...
(1.) How odious selfishness must be ... 3.) The wisdom of God, as exhibited in his ...
/.../a practical directory for young christian females/letter ix meditation.htm

Witnessing Better than Knowing the Future
... been slow of speech, and who have exhibited very few ... but does she also prepare herself
by seeking the power ... Selfishness no longer rules the man who believes in ...
/.../spurgeons sermons volume 39 1893/witnessing better than knowing the.htm

The Third Day in Passion-Week - the Last Controversies and ...
... warnings against pride and self-seeking when connected ... it only cover the vilest
selfishness, even to ... a spirit favourableto proselytism is exhibited in Jewish ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter iv the third day.htm

Epistle of Paul to the Philippians.
... grace of the Lord had been exhibited towards him in ... to avoid every appearance of
self-seeking, and to ... far also from that more refined selfishness, which cannot ...
/.../epistle of paul to the.htm

What does the Bible say about selfishness? | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean to do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit (Philippians 2:3)? | GotQuestions.org

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Selfishness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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