CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width; initial-scale=1.0;"/><title>Topical Bible: Self-forgetfulness</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/topical/s/self-forgetfulness.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/newtopical.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/print.css" type="text/css" media="Print" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-LR4HSKRP2H"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-LR4HSKRP2H'); </script><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/topical/vmenus/2_corinthians/10-1.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="//biblehu.com/bmcde/s/self-forgetfulness.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/topical/">Topical</a> > Self-forgetfulness</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/topical/s/self-exhortation_to_hope.htm" title="Self-Exhortation to Hope">◄</a> Self-forgetfulness <a href="/topical/s/self-glory.htm" title="Self-glory">►</a></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse">Jump to: <a href="#cnc" title="Multiversion Concordance">Concordance</a> • <a href="#thes" title="Bible Thesaurus">Thesaurus</a> • <a href="#lib" title="Library">Library</a> • <a href="#sub" title="Subtopics">Subtopics</a> • <a href="#rel" title="Related Terms">Terms</a></div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><a name="te" id="te"></a><div class="vheading2">Topical Encyclopedia</div>Self-forgetfulness is a concept that emerges from the Christian call to humility, service, and love for others, as exemplified in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. It involves a conscious decision to set aside one's own interests, desires, and ego in favor of serving God and others. This virtue is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative and is essential for spiritual growth and maturity.<br><br><b>Biblical Foundations</b><br><br>The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings that highlight the importance of self-forgetfulness. In <a href="/philippians/2-3.htm">Philippians 2:3-4</a>, the Apostle Paul exhorts 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 underscores the call to prioritize others above oneself, a hallmark of self-forgetfulness.<br><br>Jesus Christ is the ultimate model of self-forgetfulness. In <a href="/philippians/2-5.htm">Philippians 2:5-8</a>, Paul describes the humility of Christ: "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross." Jesus' willingness to relinquish His divine privileges and endure suffering for the sake of humanity exemplifies the essence of self-forgetfulness.<br><br><b>Practical Application</b><br><br>Self-forgetfulness is not about neglecting oneself or denying one's worth; rather, it is about finding one's identity and purpose in Christ. In <a href="/matthew/16-24.htm">Matthew 16:24-25</a>, Jesus calls His followers to a life of self-denial: "If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it." This paradoxical teaching highlights that true life and fulfillment are found in surrendering one's own will to the will of God.<br><br>The practice of self-forgetfulness is evident in acts of service and love. In <a href="/john/13-14.htm">John 13:14-15</a>, Jesus washes the feet of His disciples and instructs them: "So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example so that you should do as I have done for you." This act of humility and service is a tangible expression of self-forgetfulness, encouraging believers to serve others without seeking recognition or reward.<br><br><b>Spiritual Benefits</b><br><br>Self-forgetfulness leads to spiritual freedom and joy. By focusing less on oneself and more on God and others, believers can experience a deeper sense of peace and contentment. In <a href="/galatians/2-20.htm">Galatians 2:20</a>, Paul declares, "I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me." This transformation allows believers to live a life that reflects the character of Christ, marked by love, humility, and selflessness.<br><br><b>Challenges and Misunderstandings</b><br><br>While self-forgetfulness is a noble pursuit, it can be misunderstood or misapplied. It is not about self-neglect or passivity but about actively choosing to prioritize God's will and the needs of others. It requires discernment and balance, ensuring that one's own spiritual and emotional health is maintained while serving others.<br><br>In summary, self-forgetfulness is a vital aspect of the Christian life, rooted in the example of Jesus Christ and the teachings of Scripture. It calls believers to a life of humility, service, and love, ultimately leading to a deeper relationship with God and a more meaningful existence.<a name="lib" id="lib"></a><div class="vheading2">Library</div><p><a href="/library/de_caussade/abandonment_to_divine_providence/letter_xviii_fruit_of_death_to.htm"><span class="l">Letter xviii. --Fruit of Death to Self.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> On no account, Reverend Mother, leave off this total <b>self</b>-<b>forgetfulness</b> to which<br> I have so often exhorted you, and which the divine goodness has effected in you <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../de caussade/abandonment to divine providence/letter xviii fruit of death to.htm</font><p><a href="/library/champness/broken_bread/xxii_good-friday.htm"><span class="l">Good-Friday.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> DAY we should visit in spirit the cross of Jesus, for every day we need the merit<br> of the atonement, and the stimulus of that example of <b>self</b>- <b>forgetfulness</b>. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//christianbookshelf.org/champness/broken bread/xxii good-friday.htm</font><p><a href="/library/maclaren/expositions_of_holy_scripture_i/cannot_and_can.htm"><span class="l">Cannot and Can</span></a> <br><b>...</b> But it was only for a moment that either of these two absorbed His thoughts; and<br> with wonderful <b>self</b>-<b>forgetfulness</b> and self-command, He turned away at once <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture i/cannot and can.htm</font><p><a href="/library/gordon/quiet_talks_with_world_winners/a_more_excellent_way.htm"><span class="l">"A More Excellent Way. "</span></a> <br><b>...</b> The intense hatred of sin, the purity, the gentleness and patience, the warm sympathy,<br> the constant <b>self</b>-<b>forgetfulness</b> and self-sacrifice, the eagerness to win <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../gordon/quiet talks with world winners/a more excellent way.htm</font><p><a href="/library/de_caussade/abandonment_to_divine_providence/letter_vi_fear_of_wasting_time.htm"><span class="l">Letter vi. --Fear of Wasting Time.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> faith which make us turn away from sin, love God and our neighbour, detach us from<br> creatures, and lead us to obedience, <b>self</b>-<b>forgetfulness</b>, complete submission <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../de caussade/abandonment to divine providence/letter vi fear of wasting time.htm</font><p><a href="/library/allen/the_way_of_peace/entering_into_the_infinite.htm"><span class="l">Entering into the Infinite</span></a> <br><b>...</b> Where you find unbroken gentleness, enduring patience, sublime lowliness, graciousness<br> of speech, self-control, <b>self</b>-<b>forgetfulness</b>, and deep and abounding <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//christianbookshelf.org/allen/the way of peace/entering into the infinite.htm</font><p><a href="/library/spurgeon/spurgeons_sermons_volume_38_1892/christs_plea_for_ignorant_sinners.htm"><span class="l">Christ's Plea for Ignorant Sinners</span></a> <br><b>...</b> what they do.""Luke 23:34. WHAT tenderness we have here; what <b>self</b>-<br> <b>forgetfulness</b>; what almighty love! Jesus did not say to those <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 38 1892/christs plea for ignorant sinners.htm</font><p><a href="/library/maclaren/expositions_of_holy_scripture_j/soldier_priests.htm"><span class="l">Soldier Priests</span></a> <br><b>...</b> of life. That spirit of lofty consecration and utter <b>self</b>-<b>forgetfulness</b> must<br> be ours, if we would be Christ's soldiers. Our obedience <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/soldier priests.htm</font><p><a href="/library/maclaren/the_life_of_david/i_introduction.htm"><span class="l">Introduction.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> to every impression, its gaze of child-like wonder, and eager welcome to whatsoever<br> things are lovely, its simplicity and <b>self</b>-<b>forgetfulness</b>, its yearnings <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/the life of david/i introduction.htm</font><p><a href="/library/wilmot-buxton/the_life_of_duty_a_years_plain_sermons_v_2/sermon_xxxviii_mans_life_his.htm"><span class="l">Man's Life his Monument.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> Well says the writer of this true story, "words would be wasted in saying more of<br> the perfect humanity, and noble <b>self</b>-<b>forgetfulness</b> of a man, who gave up his <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../the life of duty a years plain sermons v 2/sermon xxxviii mans life his.htm</font><a name="thes" id="thes"></a><div class="vheading2">Thesaurus</div><a href="/topical/s/self-forgetfulness.htm"><span class="l"><b>Self</b>-<b>forgetfulness</b> (1 Occurrence)</span></a><br><b>Self</b>-<b>forgetfulness</b>. Self-exaltation, <b>Self</b>-<b>forgetfulness</b>. Self-glory .<br> Multi-Version Concordance <b>Self</b>-<b>forgetfulness</b> (1 Occurrence). <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/s/self-forgetfulness.htm - 6k</font><p><a href="/topical/o/outspoken.htm"><span class="l">Outspoken (3 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> 2 Corinthians 10:1 But as for me Paul, I entreat you by the gentleness and<br><b>self</b>-<b>forgetfulness</b> of Christ--I who when among you have not an imposing personal <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/o/outspoken.htm - 7k</font><p><a href="/topical/i/imposing.htm"><span class="l">Imposing (8 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> 2 Corinthians 10:1 But as for me Paul, I entreat you by the gentleness and<br><b>self</b>-<b>forgetfulness</b> of Christ--I who when among you have not an imposing personal <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/i/imposing.htm - 9k</font><p><a href="/topical/f/fearlessly.htm"><span class="l">Fearlessly (10 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> 2 Corinthians 10:1 But as for me Paul, I entreat you by the gentleness and<br><b>self</b>-<b>forgetfulness</b> of Christ--I who when among you have not an imposing personal <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/f/fearlessly.htm - 9k</font><p><a href="/topical/d/dealing.htm"><span class="l">Dealing (36 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> 2 Corinthians 10:1 But as for me Paul, I entreat you by the gentleness and<br><b>self</b>-<b>forgetfulness</b> of Christ--I who when among you have not an imposing personal <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/d/dealing.htm - 17k</font><p><a href="/topical/p/personal.htm"><span class="l">Personal (15 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> 2 Corinthians 10:1 But as for me Paul, I entreat you by the gentleness and<br><b>self</b>-<b>forgetfulness</b> of Christ--I who when among you have not an imposing personal <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/p/personal.htm - 11k</font><p><a href="/topical/s/self-exaltation.htm"><span class="l">Self-exaltation (1 Occurrence)</span></a><br>Self-exaltation. Self-disparagement, Self-exaltation. <b>Self</b>-<b>forgetfulness</b> . <b>...</b><br> (See NAS). Self-disparagement, Self-exaltation. <b>Self</b>-<b>forgetfulness</b> . <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/s/self-exaltation.htm - 7k</font><p><a href="/topical/s/self-glory.htm"><span class="l">Self-glory (1 Occurrence)</span></a><br>Self-glory. <b>Self</b>-<b>forgetfulness</b>, Self-glory. Self-honoured . Multi-Version<br> Concordance <b>...</b> (BBE). <b>Self</b>-<b>forgetfulness</b>, Self-glory. Self-honoured . Reference <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/s/self-glory.htm - 6k</font><p><a name="res" id="res"></a><div class="vheading2">Resources</div><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/paranoia-paranoid.html">What does the Bible say about paranoia / being paranoid? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/spiritual-gifts-survey.html">Spiritual gifts survey - what are the different spiritual gifts the Bible mentions? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/forgetting-the-past.html">Is forgetting the past biblical? Does the Bible instruct us to forget the past? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="/concordance/">Bible Concordance</a> • <a href="/dictionary/">Bible Dictionary</a> • <a href="/encyclopedia/">Bible Encyclopedia</a> • <a href="/topical/">Topical Bible</a> • <a href="/thesaurus/">Bible Thesuarus</a></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="cnc" id="cnc"></a><div class="vheading2">Concordance</div><span class="encheading">Self-forgetfulness (1 Occurrence)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/2_corinthians/10-1.htm">2 Corinthians 10:1</a></span><br />But as for me Paul, I entreat you by the gentleness and <span class="boldtext">self-forgetfulness</span> of Christ--I who when among you have not an imposing personal presence, but when absent am fearlessly outspoken in dealing with you.<br /><span class="source">(WEY)</span><a name="sub" id="sub"></a><div class="vheading2">Subtopics</div><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/s/self-forgetfulness.htm">Self-forgetfulness</a></p><a name="rel" id="rel"></a><div class="vheading2">Related Terms</div><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/self-forgetfulness.htm">Self-forgetfulness (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/self-conceit.htm">Self-conceit (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/self-honoured.htm">Self-honoured (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/a/angry.htm">Angry (269 Occurrences)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/topical/s/self-exhortation_to_hope.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Self-Exhortation to Hope"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Self-Exhortation to Hope" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/topical/s/self-glory.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Self-glory"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Self-glory" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div> <div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"><script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script></div></td></tr></table></div></div></div> <br /><br /> <div align="center"> <div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>