Selflessness Builds Relationships

In Philippians 2:4 I read, “Look out for one another's interests, not just for your own." (GNT)

Selflessness brings out the best in others. It builds relationships. What does it mean to be selfless? It means I think a little less of myself and a little more of others.

The opposite of selflessness is selfishness. It’s the number one cause of conflict and arguments. The Bible says, “What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? You want something but don’t get it” (James 4:1-2 NIV).

Self-centeredness destroys relationships.

The problem is, being selfish is human nature. I naturally think about my own interests, hurts, how I look, and how I feel. Even culture tells us: “Do what you think is best for you.” But the Bible says, “Look out for one another’s interests, not just for your own” (Philippians 2:4 GNT).

What happens when I “look out for one another’s interests, not just for my own”? Not only will it transform my relationships, it will transform people. It causes the other person to change because I’m not the same person anymore, allowing them to relate to me in a different way.

If I treat cranky, unlikable people with kindness, instead of treating them the way they deserve, they can transform into nice people.

The greatest lesson in life is learning to be unselfish, but it won’t happen overnight. It’s going to take the rest of my life.

The good news is, God didn’t leave me all alone to learn how to be selfless. Romans 8:26 says, “The Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness” (NLT).

Never stop making the effort to be more selfless. God’s Spirit is with me to help me break the cycle of selfishness! And it’s then will I see transformation in all my relationships.

In summary, I need to look out for other's interests, not just for my own. Selflessness brings out the best in others and builds relationships. To be selfless means I think a little less of myself and a little more of others. The opposite of selflessness is selfishness, which is the number one cause of conflict and arguments. Self-centeredness destroys relationships. However, being selfish is human nature. I naturally think about my own interests, hurts, how I look, and how I feel. Even culture tells me to: “Do what you think is best for you.” But God’s Word says, “Look out for one another’s interests, not just for your own.” What happens when I do this? Not only will it transform my relationships, it will transform people. It causes the other person to change because I’m not the same person anymore, allowing them to relate to me in a different way. If I treat cranky, unlikable people with kindness, instead of treating them the way they deserve, they can transform into nice people. The greatest lesson in life is learning to be unselfish, but it won’t happen overnight. It’s going to take the rest of my life. God didn’t leave me all alone to learn how, he has given me The Holy Spirit who helps me in my weakness. So never stop making the effort to be more selfless. God’s Spirit is with me to help me break the cycle of selfishness! And it’s then will I see transformation in all my relationships.

Selfishness can ruin relationships, but genuine humility can build it. Being humble involves having a true perspective about myself. I am a sinner, saved only by God's grace, but I am saved and have great worth in God's Kingdom. I am to lay aside selfishness and treat others with respect and common courtesy. Considering others' interests as more important than my own links me with Christ, who was a true example of humility. Paul encourages me to guard against any selfishness, prejudice, or jealousy that might lead to dissension. Showing genuine interest in others is a positive step forward in maintaining unity among believers.

Father, thank you for Your Word and Jesus as my savior and example. You want me and I need you in my life. Please give me Your strength for today and remind me in little ways that I can always believe in, have faith in and can trust you in everything. This includes being the authority for my life, the source of my self-worth and my hope for the future. You have my best interests in mind. So I ask you to help me to embrace the way you’ve made me; my gifting and passions. Help me to serve and fulfill the mission you have in mind for me. 

Today, I ask you for wisdom and guidance for my day, my work, my leadership, my interactions with others, doing well and making a difference in my new job.  I pray all these things through you Son Jesus’ name, Amen.