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<!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: Selflessness in Service</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/topical/s/selflessness_in_service.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/matthew/20-28.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-judged.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> > Selflessness in Service</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/selflessness_in_ministry.htm" title="Selflessness in Ministry">◄</a> Selflessness in Service <a href="/topical/s/selflessness_over_self-pleasure.htm" title="Selflessness Over Self-Pleasure">►</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="#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>Selflessness in service is a central theme in the Christian faith, reflecting the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. It is the act of putting others' needs before one's own, serving without seeking personal gain or recognition. This concept is deeply rooted in Scripture and is exemplified by numerous biblical figures and teachings.<br><br><b>Biblical Foundation</b><br><br>The ultimate model of selflessness is found in Jesus Christ, who came "not to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many" (<a href="/matthew/20-28.htm">Matthew 20:28</a>). His entire ministry was characterized by acts of compassion, healing, and teaching, often prioritizing the needs of others over His own comfort and safety.<br><br>In <a href="/philippians/2-3.htm">Philippians 2:3-4</a>, believers are exhorted to "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 selflessness, urging Christians to emulate Christ's humility and love.<br><br><b>Old Testament Examples</b><br><br>The Old Testament also provides examples of selflessness in service. Abraham's willingness to intercede for Sodom (<a href="/genesis/18-22.htm">Genesis 18:22-33</a>) and Moses' leadership and intercession for the Israelites (<a href="/exodus/32-11.htm">Exodus 32:11-14</a>) demonstrate a commitment to serving others, even at personal cost.<br><br>Ruth's loyalty to Naomi (<a href="/ruth/1-16.htm">Ruth 1:16-17</a>) is another poignant example. Ruth's decision to leave her homeland and care for her mother-in-law reflects a profound selflessness, prioritizing Naomi's well-being over her own future security.<br><br><b>New Testament Teachings</b><br><br>The New Testament further elaborates on selflessness through the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. In the parable of the Good Samaritan (<a href="/luke/10-25.htm">Luke 10:25-37</a>), Jesus illustrates the importance of serving others, regardless of social or ethnic boundaries. The Samaritan's actions exemplify selfless service, as he tends to the wounded man without expectation of reward.<br><br>The apostle Paul frequently emphasizes selflessness in his epistles. In <a href="/galatians/5-13.htm">Galatians 5:13</a>, he writes, "For you, brothers, were called to freedom; but do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh. Rather, serve one another in love." This call to serve one another in love is a recurring theme in Paul's letters, urging believers to live out their faith through acts of service.<br><br><b>Practical Application</b><br><br>Selflessness in service is not merely an abstract ideal but a practical calling for Christians. It involves daily acts of kindness, generosity, and humility. Whether through volunteering, supporting those in need, or simply offering a listening ear, believers are encouraged to serve others as an expression of their faith.<br><br>The early church provides a model for communal selflessness, as seen in <a href="/acts/2-44.htm">Acts 2:44-45</a>: "All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they shared with anyone who was in need." This spirit of generosity and mutual care is a testament to the transformative power of selfless service.<br><br><b>Conclusion</b><br><br>Selflessness in service is a hallmark of the Christian life, reflecting the character of Christ and the teachings of Scripture. It calls believers to a life of humility, compassion, and sacrificial love, serving others as an expression of their devotion to God.</div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="sub" id="sub"></a><div class="vheading2">Subtopics</div><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/s/self-judged.htm">Self-judged</a></p><a name="rel" id="rel"></a><div class="vheading2">Related Terms</div><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/self-made.htm">Self-made (2 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/selfishness.htm">Selfishness (4 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/e/error.htm">Error (90 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/c/clearly.htm">Clearly (67 Occurrences)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/topical/s/selflessness_in_ministry.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Selflessness in Ministry"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Selflessness in Ministry" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/topical/s/selflessness_over_self-pleasure.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Selflessness Over Self-Pleasure"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Selflessness Over Self-Pleasure" /></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>