Selfishness is a sin that the Bible warns against repeatedly. Here is an overview of what the Bible says about selfishness and living selflessly for God and others:
The Definition of Selfishness
Selfishness means being concerned excessively or exclusively with oneself. It is seeking one’s own advantage, pleasure, or welfare without regard for others (Philippians 2:3-4). A selfish person is self-centered and self-absorbed, caring little for others’ well-being or putting others above themselves.
Bible Verses about Selfishness
Here are some key Bible verses about selfishness:
- “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” (Philippians 2:3)
- “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:4)
- “Do not seek your own advantage, but that of the other.” (1 Corinthians 10:24)
- “We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves.” (Romans 15:1)
- “Each of you should be concerned not only about your own interests, but the interests of others as well.” (Philippians 2:4)
- “A person may think their own ways are right, but the LORD weighs the heart.” (Proverbs 21:2)
- “Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment.” (Proverbs 18:1)
- “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 7:12)
- “If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen.” (1 John 4:20)
- “But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be…lovers of self.” (2 Timothy 3:1-2)
Reasons Why Selfishness is Sinful
The Bible makes clear that selfishness is sinful for several reasons:
- Selfishness is idolatry – It elevates oneself to the position of an idol, seeking satisfaction and meaning in self rather than in God (Exodus 20:3).
- Selfishness is the opposite of love – True love puts others first (1 Corinthians 13:5). Selfishness cannot coexist with sincere love for God and others.
- Selfishness disregards the needs of others – It is unconcerned with helping and serving others, contradicting Christ’s teachings (Philippians 2:3-7).
- Selfishness fails to deny self – Jesus commanded that his followers deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow him (Luke 9:23). Selfishness refuses to deny one’s own desires and interests.
- Selfishness seeks human praise – It leads to boasting, self-promotion, and hypocrisy. The Pharisees were rebuked for these tendencies (Matthew 6:1-18).
- Selfishness causes disunity and conflicts – It destroys relationships, churches, and communities as people seek their own good (James 4:1-3).
- Selfishness is deceitful and foolish – It tricks people into thinking sin is harmless when it actually leads to pain and destruction (Hebrews 3:13).
Characteristics of a Selfish Person
What are some characteristics of a selfish person according to the Bible?
- Seeks their own good above others (Philippians 2:21)
- Boastful and self-promoting (Matthew 23:5-7)
- Reluctant to give or share (Acts 5:1-10)
- FRustrated when attention is on others (Matthew 20:20-28)
- Competitive and quarrelsome (1 Corinthians 3:3)
- Unwilling to yield or compromise (Proverbs 13:10)
- Disregarding others’ time and convenience (2 Timothy 3:2)
- Stingy, greedy, coveting more (Luke 12:15)
- Easily offended or angered if slighted (Proverbs 13:10)
- Self-justifying and defensive (Luke 18:9-14)
- Seeking prestige and recognition (Matthew 23:6-7)
- Unwilling to serve others (3 John 1:9)
Overcoming Selfishness Through Christ
The Bible makes clear that selfishness is a sin and has no place in the life of a Christian. Here are some keys to overcoming selfishness through the power of Christ:
- Repent and ask God for forgiveness – Admitting our selfishness is the first step (1 John 1:9).
- Seek God rather than self – Pursuing intimacy with God weakens self-centeredness (Luke 10:27).
- Pray for humility and wisdom – Asking God to reveal our selfish motives and give humility and wisdom (James 1:5).
- Take up our cross – Choosing each day to deny ourselves, die to self, and follow Jesus (Luke 9:23).
- Fill your mind with Scripture – Immersing our minds in God’s truth renews our thinking (Romans 12:2).
- Serve others – Selfishness is defeated when we look to others’ interests first (Philippians 2:3-4).
- Give generously – Allowing God to bless others through us defeats greed (2 Corinthians 9:6-8).
- Live for eternal reward – Keeping eternity in view loosens selfishness’s grip (Colossians 3:2).
- Walk in the Spirit – God’s Spirit works powerful transformation in us (Galatians 5:16-17).
Blessings of Living for God and Others
While selfishness destroys relationships and leads to emptiness, living for God and others brings great blessing:
- Deeper intimacy with God (James 4:8).
- Happiness in bringing joy to others (Acts 20:35).
- Avoidance of sin’s consequences (Proverbs 11:27).
- Eternal reward and hearing “Well done” (Matthew 25:23).
- Growing in Christlike character (Romans 8:29).
- A life that honors God (Matthew 5:16).
- Power to spread the gospel (1 Corinthians 9:19-23).
- Fulfilling relationships (Philippians 2:3-4)
- Freedom from comparison and envy (Galatians 5:26)
- Confidence on judgment day (1 John 4:17-18)
Examples of Selfishness in the Bible
Here are some examples of selfishness in Bible characters that provide warning:
- The rich fool – In Luke 12:13-21, Jesus calls the rich man who hoarded his wealth a “fool” whose life would be demanded of him.
- Ananias and Sapphira – This couple lied and kept back money for themselves, illustrating selfish motives (Acts 5:1-11).
- Jonah – He pouted when the people of Nineveh were spared, illustrating selfish attitudes (Jonah 3-4).
- James and John – They vied for the best seats in the kingdom, revealing selfish ambition (Matthew 20:20-28).
- The prodigal son – In Luke 15:11-32, the younger son took his share and squandered it selfishly.
- Diotrephes – He stirred up conflict in the church out of selfish pride (3 John 1:9-10).
These examples remind us of the ugliness and consequences of selfishness. We must seek God’s help in overcoming it.
Guarding Against Selfishness
Because selfishness is so deceptive, we must be vigilant to detect and root it out. Here are some ways to guard against selfishness in life:
- Examining our motives and desires through prayer.
- Listening to trusted friends who may see selfish blind spots in us.
- Being quick to repent when we recognize selfish behavior.
- Developing concern for people different than us.
- Seeking out opportunities to serve unseen.
- Studying the life and words of the perfectly selfless Christ.
- Confessing pride and asking for humility daily.
- Spending time reading the Bible more than other books.
- Focusing on internal character more than outward appearance.
- Asking “How can I help?” frequently throughout the day.
Cultivating Selflessness by the Holy Spirit
We cannot overcome selfishness in our own power. God gives us His Holy Spirit to transform us from within (Ezekiel 36:26-27). As we yield to the Spirit, His fruit grows in us:
- Love – A love for God above all else weakens selfishness (Luke 10:27).
- Joy – The joy of the Lord frees us from having to seek our own happiness (Psalm 16:11).
- Peace – God’s peace guards our hearts from selfish ambitions (Philippians 4:6-7).
- Patience – Learning to wait on God loosens selfishness’s grip (Psalm 37:7).
- Kindness – The Spirit softens our hearts to show kindness to all (Galatians 5:22-23).
- Goodness – We desire to benefit others, not please ourselves (Romans 15:2).
- Faithfulness – The Spirit gives consistent integrity, not selfish ways (Proverbs 11:3).
- Gentleness – Power under God’s control brings gentle, selfless living (Philippians 4:5).
- Self-control – Desires of the flesh are conquered by the Spirit (Galatians 5:16-17).
Walking in step with the Spirit day by day transforms us into Christ’s image as we die to selfishness and live for God (Galatians 5:16, Romans 8:29).
Serving God, Not Self
The antidote to a life of selfishness is serving God, not self. We see this in the example of the Macedonians in 2 Corinthians 8:1-5. Despite their poverty and trial, they begged earnestly for the grace and fellowship of serving the saints. They gave even beyond their means because they saw themselves as stewards entrusted with true riches from God. They saw clearly that life is not about serving themselves, but serving God and others through generosity.
Paul highlights similar teaching in Romans 12:1, urging us to offer ourselves as living sacrifices to God as our true act of worship. He pleads with us not to be conformed to the selfish patterns of this world but to be transformed by God to live for His purposes and glory.
While selfishness will always seek to rise up in our hearts, God calls us to holiness, obedience, and selfless living in His power and for His glory.