“Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.” Philippians 2:4 (NLT)
Are there times that you have had to choose others over yourself? Times you gave up your seat in the bus, paid for someone with your last “kobo”, reached out to someone to encourage them even though you were at your lowest moment? These cases may be a one-off experience for some people but the life of a believer is characterised by selflessness.
Like the anchor text says, the constant disposition of a believer should be who not only considers one’s own interests but considers the interests of others as well. This consideration is not only limited only to those that you care about, it actually extends to those that despise and mistreat you – your enemies. (Matthew 5:43-48; Luke 6:27-36, Galatians 5: 13-15).
Let us consider the parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:30–37. What if, he was on his way to close a business deal or going somewhere important. However, out of compassion, he stopped and attended to the wounded man. Interestingly, he didn’t know the man but still showed him such care, unlike the priest and Levite, who were ordinarily expected to exhibit care and compassion.
Jesus is another perfect example of selflessness. In Him, is not just a message to receive but an example to emulate. We see from the life of Jesus that He emptied Himself to take up the form of a servant for our sake (Philippians 2:7).
The entire story of our salvation is based on the selfless act of Jesus. What if He considered His status as God or got tired of the wrongful accusations, false trial and eventual condemnation to death? What if He gave up at the first drive of that 7 inch nail on the cross? As we can see, He neither gave up, nor let pride get in, instead He endured all just so you can be saved (Hebrews 12:1-2). What an example!
So if Jesus went through all that painful and selfless experience just to get us saved and has now given us His Spirit as a reminder, it has to count! It must count in your lovewalk, your character and conduct. You must allow the Spirit of God living inside you to do His work. This means that there will be times when you get nudges, promptings, restraints and various leadings to guide your conduct at various places and times.
Sometimes you may walk away from a potential conflict even though you have a justifiable response. Sometimes pay for a stranger at the supermarket, or bus fare for the person beside you. You may even be led to pray for random people or as moved by compassion. God’s Spirit can prompt you at any time.
Dear believer, let the example of Jesus always drive you to live a life of compassion and be ready to always live each day selflessly.
Bible Reading Plan: Micah 1-3