By Pastor Wendall Ward
Love Is Not Self-Seeking
Sometimes we are like the Corinthian Church. We focus on our opinions. We seek to receive love before we show God’s kind of love to others.
One of the problems in the Corinthian Church was the persistence of self-serving behavior. This attitude showed up in the insistence of personal opinions and loyalties over the unity of the “mind of Christ” as a common mind and purpose about the matters that divided them (1 Corinthians 1:10-12; 2:16).
1 Corinthians 1:10-12… Nevertheless, brothers, I call on you in the name of our Lord Yeshua the
Messiah to agree, all of you, in what you say, and not to let yourselves remain split into
factions but be restored to having a common mind and a common purpose. For
some of Chloe’s people have made it known to me, my brothers, that there are quarrels
among you. I say this because one of you says, “I follow Sha’ul (Paul)”; another
says, “I follow Apollos”; another, “I follow Kefa (Peter)”; while still another says, “I follow
the Messiah!” CJB
Some have said the basic problem in the Corinthian church was the “cult of personality”and the various loyalties and opinions that came with it. The people had become morepersonality centered rather than Christ-centered in belief and behavior.
How To Transform Self Seeking Into Selfless Love
Shifting The Focus
Selfless love focuses on the well-being of others, not our own opinions. It does not seek personal gain through its words and deeds. It is clearly separated from manipulative behaviors because it is motivated and energized by the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5). When our focus becomes, “What pleases the Lord in this?” we will soon find a more selfless flow of Christ-life moving through us.
Giving God’s Love
God’s love will manifest in many different forms. Familial love seen in parental sacrifices and sibling affection. Marital love marked by mutual understanding, support and intimacy . Brotherly love based on trust and understanding and a mutual loyalty to Christ as Lord of life. In addition, when expressed through our life in the world, it is the supreme witness that we are genuine Christ followers, and our gospel is true.
Other Expressions Of Selfless Love
Empathy
Empathy is crucial because it enables deeper emotional connections and compassionate responses to needs. Engaging in active listening fosters empathy. It also strengthens relationships by showing you care for others’ thoughts and feelings. Acts of kindness motivated by empathy reinforce emotional bonds. Demonstrating selfless love, whether through consistent support or simple gestures is valuable. Overall, selfless love enhances trust, respect, and communication. This creates a solid foundation for productive relationships that honor Christ.
What Are Some Of The Challenges To Selfless Love?
The daily demands of living in a fallen, imperfect world and church presents the greatest challenge. Paul tells us in Romans 12:3 that we should think of ourselves according to faith. In other words, believe what the Word says about us. Do not dwell on the opinions of others or the negative experiences we have had in life. Personal insecurities and past wounds can also hinder selflessness. This shows the necessity of self-care and healing from past hurts. Otherwise we can get stuck in an endless cycle of self-pity and defensiveness. This will prevent us from experiencing the victory and personal freedom to love selflessly.
How Do We Cultivate Selfless Love In Our Lives?
Any change must be intentional, consistent, and persistent. Only the Holy Spirit can change us! That is why we must maintain a daily pattern of personal prayer and devotion that looks to the Lord for help to love in our circumstances. We must make efforts, however painful or awkward, to engage in acts of kindness. Giving to others is essential for nurturing selflessness in our relationships. Learning how to receive Christ’s love for you creates the endless energy and will to love others selflessly.
More Information
For more on love from Pastor Wendall, see previous entries https://bethewordministry.com/love-is-kind/
Because our ability to love others is in direct relation to the love we receive from the Father, here is a song to remind you that you are loved more than you know! Jireh, by Elevation Worship and Maverick City Worship, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mC-zw0zCCtg