Living a selfless Christian life isn’t about grand gestures or monumental acts. It’s all about the little things, the everyday choices we make.
Let’s be clear, selflessness doesn’t mean neglecting oneself. It simply means putting others’ needs before our own, in line with Christ’s teachings.
As a Christian, I’ve come to understand certain traits that reflect a selfless life. And guess what? I’m about to share them with you.
So here are eight traits that exemplify a selfless Christian life. These are not just actions but a way of life that embodies the love and compassion of Jesus Christ.
1) Humility
Humility is a trait that’s often overlooked in modern society. But it forms the foundation of a selfless Christian life.
Jesus himself exemplified humility. He chose to be born in a stable, washed his disciples’ feet, and even allowed himself to be crucified.
Living a humble life means recognizing that we are not the center of the universe. It means putting others first, and acknowledging that we are all equal in the eyes of God.
In today’s world, where self-promotion and self-interest often take center stage, being humble sets us apart. It shows we’re not focused on ourselves, but on serving others and God.
Living with humility isn’t easy. But it’s a trait that can truly transform our lives, and lead us to live more selflessly. Remember, true greatness comes from serving others, not from being served.
But let’s not forget, humility doesn’t mean thinking less of yourself. It’s about thinking of yourself less. True humility leads to a sense of balance and inner peace.
Embrace humility, and you’re well on your way to living a selfless Christian life.
2) Generosity
Generosity is another cornerstone of a selfless Christian life. It’s not just about giving money or material things, but also giving our time, our skills, and even our attention.
I remember a time in my life when I was confronted with the true essence of generosity. I was volunteering at a local homeless shelter. One day, a man walked in who had lost everything – his home, his job, his family.
Despite having nothing, he was one of the most generous people I ever met. He would always help clean up after meals, assist other residents with their daily tasks, and always had an encouraging word for everyone.
His generosity wasn’t about material wealth – he had none. But he gave what he could – his time, his service, and his kindness.
His example showed me that true generosity comes from the heart. It’s about being willing to give, not because we expect something in return, but because we genuinely want to help others.
It’s a lesson I’ve carried with me ever since. And it’s a reminder that generosity, in its purest form, is a powerful trait of a selfless Christian life.
3) Forgiveness
In a world filled with grudges and retaliation, forgiveness stands out as a beacon of light. It’s a critical aspect of a selfless Christian life.
The act of forgiveness is so powerful that it actually has physical health benefits. Studies have shown that practicing forgiveness can lead to lower levels of stress and anxiety, better sleep, and even improved heart health.
But more than that, forgiveness is at the heart of the Christian faith. Jesus taught us to “turn the other cheek” and to forgive not seven times, but seventy-seven times.
Forgiveness isn’t about forgetting the wrongs done to us. It’s about letting go of the hurt and resentment that weighs us down. It’s about freeing ourselves from the chains of bitterness and opening our hearts to peace and reconciliation.
Living a life of forgiveness doesn’t mean we allow ourselves to be mistreated or abused. It means we choose love over hate, understanding over judgment, and peace over conflict.
Embracing forgiveness can be challenging, especially when the hurts run deep. But it’s a journey worth taking. For in forgiveness, we find freedom – freedom to love, to grow, and to live a truly selfless Christian life.
4) Patience
In the age of instant gratification, patience is a virtue that seems to be in short supply. Yet, it’s one of the fundamental traits of a selfless Christian life.
Living patiently means accepting that we don’t always have control over the timing of things. It means trusting in God’s timing, even when it doesn’t align with our own.
Patience isn’t about passivity or resignation. It’s about maintaining faith and hope, even when things don’t go as planned. It’s about staying the course and remaining steadfast in the face of adversity.
Being patient also means being patient with people. It means understanding that we are all works in progress, and extending grace to others when they falter or fail.
In a world that’s always rushing to the next big thing, choosing to live patiently can be revolutionary. It’s a stand against the culture of now, a testament to our faith in God’s perfect timing.
So let’s strive for patience in our lives. For in patience, we find peace and embody the selfless love of Christ.
5) Empathy
Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. It’s a trait that allows us to connect with people on a deeper level, and it’s an essential part of living a selfless Christian life.
Jesus Himself showed immense empathy throughout His ministry. From comforting the grieving, healing the sick, to dining with sinners, He demonstrated an extraordinary capacity to understand and share in the human experience.
Living with empathy means putting ourselves in someone else’s shoes. It means sharing in their joys and their sorrows, their hopes and their fears.
But empathy isn’t just about understanding; it’s about action. It’s about reaching out to those who are hurting, standing up for those who are oppressed, and extending kindness to those who need it most.
In a world often divided by differences, empathy is the bridge that brings us together. It allows us to see beyond our own experiences and connect with others in meaningful ways.
By cultivating empathy in our lives, we can truly embody the love and compassion of Christ. So let’s strive to live with empathy, for in doing so, we live a selfless Christian life.
6) Love
At the very core of a selfless Christian life lies love – a love that is unconditional, self-sacrificing, and all-encompassing.
This is the kind of love Jesus manifested in His life and teachings. A love that saw Him washing the feet of His disciples, healing the sick, dining with sinners, and ultimately laying down His life for us all.
This Christlike love isn’t selective. It doesn’t discriminate based on status, race, or religion. It extends to all – the good, the bad, and everyone in between.
Living a life of love means seeing others through the eyes of Christ. It means loving even when it’s hard, even when it’s undeserved. It’s about showing kindness to strangers, forgiveness to enemies, and compassion to those who are hurting.
Love is more than a feeling; it’s a deliberate choice. A choice to be patient and kind; not envious or boastful. To protect, trust, hope and persevere – just as described in 1 Corinthians 13.
In a world often torn by hate and division, choosing to live a life of love can be a radical act. But it is what we’re called to do as followers of Christ.
So let’s strive to live with love each day. For in doing so, we embody the essence of a selfless Christian life.
7) Faithfulness
Faithfulness, in its simplest form, is about sticking to your commitments, being reliable, and staying true to your word. It’s a trait that holds immense importance in a selfless Christian life.
Years ago, I made a commitment to serve in my church’s youth ministry. Initially, the excitement fueled my service, but as weeks turned into months, the initial enthusiasm began to wane.
Showing up every Sunday, preparing lessons, and dealing with a myriad of teenage issues became challenging. There were times when I questioned my ability to continue. There were moments when the lure of a leisurely Sunday was almost too tempting.
But each time I felt like giving up, I remembered the commitment I made – not just to the church or the youth group, but to God. This commitment was about more than just me; it was about serving God and impacting young lives for His kingdom.
Sticking to this commitment wasn’t always easy. But in remaining faithful, I learned the value of consistency, reliability, and trustworthiness – all aspects of faithfulness.
Faithfulness isn’t about grand gestures; it’s about showing up consistently, even when it’s hard. It’s about staying true to our word and following through on our commitments.
As followers of Christ, we are called to be faithful – in our relationship with God, in our service to others, and in our daily lives. So let’s strive for faithfulness and embody this key trait of a selfless Christian life.
8) Self-denial
Self-denial might not be the most popular trait in our self-focused society, yet it’s a pivotal aspect of a selfless Christian life.
Self-denial is about choosing God’s will over our own. It’s about sacrificing personal desires for the greater good, and putting others’ needs before our own.
Jesus personified self-denial when He said in Luke 9:23, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” He set the ultimate example by laying down His life for us.
Living a life of self-denial doesn’t mean rejecting all personal desires or living a life devoid of pleasure. It means aligning our desires with God’s will and seeking His glory above our own.
It means making choices that may not always be comfortable or convenient, but are in line with God’s command to love and serve others.
Self-denial can be challenging, but it leads to a life of greater fulfillment and purpose. It allows us to live not for ourselves, but for God and others.
So let’s strive to live a life of self-denial, embracing this critical trait of a selfless Christian life. For in doing so, we follow in the footsteps of Jesus and live lives that truly glorify God.
9) Servanthood
The most crucial trait of a selfless Christian life is, without a doubt, servanthood.
Jesus, the King of Kings, chose to be a servant. He washed His disciples’ feet, fed the hungry, healed the sick, and ultimately gave His life for us. He said in Mark 10:45, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”
Servanthood is about putting the needs of others before our own. It’s about giving without expecting anything in return. It’s about finding joy in lifting others up.
In a world that often values power and status, choosing to be a servant sets us apart. It embodies the very essence of Christ’s teachings and reflects His character in our lives.
Living a life of servanthood isn’t always easy, but it’s an honor and a privilege. It allows us to follow in Christ’s footsteps and make a real difference in the world around us.
So let’s strive to live as servants, embracing this crucial trait of a selfless Christian life. For in serving others, we truly serve Christ.
Living the example
The traits we’ve discussed – humility, generosity, forgiveness, patience, empathy, love, faithfulness, self-denial, and servanthood – are not just checkboxes to tick as we go about our Christian journey. They are the essence of a selfless Christian life, a reflection of the life and teachings of Jesus.
Jesus said in John 15:12, “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.”
As Christians, we’re called to live a life that mirrors the selfless love and compassion of Christ. A life where we put others before ourselves, where we love unconditionally, and where we serve with humility.
This journey isn’t without challenges. It requires us to step out of our comfort zones, to make sacrifices and to love even when it’s hard. But it is in this journey that we find true fulfillment and purpose.
In living a selfless Christian life, we become channels of God’s grace and love. We become lights in a world that so desperately needs it.
So as we reflect on these traits, let’s strive to embody them in our lives. Let’s choose daily to live selflessly, lovingly, and faithfully.
For in doing so, we not only honor Christ but also make a significant impact on the world around us.
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