Unselfishly
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Definition and Concept
Unselfishly refers to the act of putting the needs and interests of others before one's own, characterized by selflessness and generosity. In the biblical context, unselfishness is a virtue that reflects the nature of God and the teachings of Jesus Christ. It is an essential aspect of Christian living, demonstrating love, humility, and service to others.

Biblical Examples and Teachings
The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings on unselfishness, emphasizing its importance in the life of a believer. One of the most profound examples is found in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. Philippians 2:3-4 instructs 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 highlights the call to prioritize others' needs and to act with humility.

The parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) is another powerful illustration of unselfishness. In this account, a Samaritan man helps a wounded traveler, demonstrating compassion and selflessness despite cultural animosities. Jesus uses this parable to teach that true neighborly love transcends social boundaries and requires unselfish action.

Old Testament Insights
The Old Testament also provides insights into unselfish behavior. In the account of Ruth and Naomi (Ruth 1:16-17), Ruth's commitment to her mother-in-law Naomi is a testament to unselfish love and loyalty. Ruth's willingness to leave her homeland and care for Naomi exemplifies the selfless devotion that God desires from His people.

Proverbs 11:25 states, "A generous soul will prosper, and he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed." This proverb underscores the principle that unselfishness leads to blessings, both for the giver and the recipient.

New Testament Teachings
The New Testament further elaborates on the theme of unselfishness. In John 15:13 , Jesus declares, "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." This ultimate act of unselfishness is exemplified in Jesus' sacrificial death on the cross, setting the standard for believers to follow.

The early church in Acts 2:44-45 provides a model of unselfish community living: "All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they shared with anyone who was in need." This communal lifestyle reflects the unselfish spirit that characterized the early Christian community.

Practical Application
Unselfishness is a practical expression of Christian love and is essential for building strong relationships and communities. Believers are encouraged to practice unselfishness in their daily lives by serving others, giving generously, and seeking the welfare of others above their own. Romans 12:10 advises, "Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Outdo yourselves in honoring one another."

In marriage, unselfishness is vital for nurturing a loving and harmonious relationship. Ephesians 5:25 instructs husbands, "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her." This call to sacrificial love is a model for all relationships, emphasizing the importance of putting others first.

Conclusion
The biblical call to live unselfishly is a reflection of God's character and a fundamental aspect of Christian discipleship. Through the examples of Jesus, the teachings of Scripture, and the lives of faithful believers, unselfishness is portrayed as a powerful testimony of God's love and grace in the world.
Library

The Christian Business World
... one need want. It is this matter of unwillingness to unselfishly serve others
which slows down commerce to-day. When, however, men ...
/.../sell/studies in the life of the christian/study xi the christian business.htm

Results of Transgression
... men of Judah and Dan remained humble and unselfish; but gradually, almost imperceptibly,
they lost their hold upon God and their desire to serve Him unselfishly ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 4 results of transgression.htm

The Bond-Servant and the Son
... peace and joy which permits you to say: "I have done but little of what I dreamed
of doing, but I have tried, at any rate, to do it unselfishly and gladly ...
/.../peabody/mornings in the college chapel/xix the bond-servant and the.htm

A Rare Harvest.
... And when, now and then, the conviction seizes the crowd that some public man is
not of that sort at all, but is devoting himself unselfishly and unsparingly to ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks with world winners/a rare harvest.htm

Of Hiding Our Grace under the Guard of Humility
... Nor is there advance in spiritual life in this alone, that thou hast the grace of
consolation, but that thou humbly and unselfishly and patiently takest the ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/kempis/imitation of christ/chapter vii of hiding our.htm

John Knox.
... devoted to the fierce struggle and triumph of the Reformation in his native land,
which he has himself so vividly, truthfully, and unselfishly described in his ...
/.../creeds of christendom with a history and critical notes/ 88 john knox.htm

The Physician's Calling (Preached at Whitehall for St. George's ...
... If all classes did their work half as simply, as bravely, as determinedly, as
unselfishly, as the medical men of Great Britain"and, I doubt not, of other ...
/.../the water of life and other sermons/sermon ii the physicians calling.htm

The Beatific vision. (Continued. )
... But not only shall our will become holy and conformed to God's will: we shall also
love God above all things, purely, unselfishly, ardently, and for His own ...
/.../boudreaux/the happiness of heaven/chapter iv the beatific vision.htm

Loyal to the Core
... It was made, first, at a time when David's fortunes were at their lowest ebb, and
consequently it was made unselfishly, without the slightest idea of gain from ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 26 1880/loyal to the core.htm

Mission Work in Chicago
... If we expect to grow in grace and to develop in trust and in other of his precious
graces, we must unselfishly impart what God gives to us. ...
/.../cole/trials and triumphs of faith/chapter xix mission work in.htm

Thesaurus
Unselfishly (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Unselfishly (1 Occurrence). Titus 3:2 not speak
evil of any one, nor be contentious, but yield unselfishly...
/u/unselfishly.htm - 6k

Unseen (18 Occurrences)

/u/unseen.htm - 11k

Unselfishness (1 Occurrence)

/u/unselfishness.htm - 6k

Forgiving (11 Occurrences)
... (WEY). Titus 3:2 not speak evil of any one, nor be contentious, but yield unselfishly
to others and constantly manifest a forgiving spirit towards all men. ...
/f/forgiving.htm - 10k

Considerate (4 Occurrences)
... Titus 3:2 not speak evil of any one, nor be contentious, but yield unselfishly to
others and constantly manifest a forgiving spirit towards all men. (See NIV). ...
/c/considerate.htm - 7k

Consideration (8 Occurrences)
... Titus 3:2 not speak evil of any one, nor be contentious, but yield unselfishly to
others and constantly manifest a forgiving spirit towards all men. (See NAS). ...
/c/consideration.htm - 9k

Yield (78 Occurrences)
... Titus 3:2 not speak evil of any one, nor be contentious, but yield unselfishly to
others and constantly manifest a forgiving spirit towards all men. (WEY). ...
/y/yield.htm - 30k

Constantly (47 Occurrences)
... Titus 3:2 not speak evil of any one, nor be contentious, but yield unselfishly to
others and constantly manifest a forgiving spirit towards all men. (WEY). ...
/c/constantly.htm - 20k

Manifest (74 Occurrences)
... Titus 3:2 not speak evil of any one, nor be contentious, but yield unselfishly to
others and constantly manifest a forgiving spirit towards all men. (WEY). ...
/m/manifest.htm - 33k

Elisha (70 Occurrences)
... bread and fresh ears of grain. Unselfishly Elisha commands that it be given
to the people to eat. The servant declared it was altogether ...
/e/elisha.htm - 61k

Resources
What did Jesus mean when He said, "Ask and you shall receive"? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Solomon in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

What is intercessory prayer? | GotQuestions.org

Unselfishly: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Concordance
Unselfishly (1 Occurrence)

Titus 3:2
not speak evil of any one, nor be contentious, but yield unselfishly to others and constantly manifest a forgiving spirit towards all men.
(WEY)

Subtopics

Unselfishly

Related Terms

Person (807 Occurrences)

Unselfishly (1 Occurrence)

Unserviceable (1 Occurrence)

Lovingly (7 Occurrences)

Ruth (19 Occurrences)

Maintain (50 Occurrences)

Patient (34 Occurrences)

Striving (33 Occurrences)

Earnestly (78 Occurrences)

Thomas (12 Occurrences)

Christ (573 Occurrences)

Unseen Spiritual Realities
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