“The second [greatest commandment] is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’” Mark 12:31
My friend had just told me that I was selfish and that I didn’t think about others. I was too busy doing my own thing to care about the people around me.
Though her words stung, as I thought about it, I realized she was right. I kept falling back into a state of selfishness. Each time I had tried to put others before myself (or think that I had), I would be eventually sucked back into thinking about myself.
Self-absorption is a constant battle I have to fight — and I don’t see it getting easier any time soon. Maybe you can relate. Or maybe you’re like me and don’t even realize that you’re selfish.
Think about your life for a minute. Have you initiated conversation with your loved ones recently? Do you pray for your friends or check up on them when you haven’t heard from them in a while? Do you offer to babysit or help someone around the house with the repairs that need to be done? Do you take care of the elderly in your church?
If you haven’t helped anyone out in a practical way lately, now is a great time to start. Selflessness means being aware of others and their needs. It means taking time out of your week to serve, no strings attached. It may require paying someone a visit every now and then or praying for him or her. Selflessness is showing kindness and compassion to others, because Christ did so for us.
Dear Jesus, thank You that You are the very definition of selflessness. In Your time on earth, even when You were tired, You still ministered to others and put their needs before Your own. Please give us Your selfless attitude, and help us to become more like You. Amen.
Take Action
Find out how you can minister to one person this week. Ask how you can practically help someone, and then, go and do it!