9 virtues Christians believe combat selfishness

When it comes to combatting selfishness, Christians have a specific playbook – virtues.

Virtues are like the moral compass guiding us away from self-obsession and towards a more selfless life. And guess what? There are nine virtues that Christians believe can do just that.

These virtues aren’t just a Sunday school lesson, they’re practical tools for everyday living. I’m going to share those with you.

So, buckle up and dive into this journey of self-discovery with me as we explore “9 virtues Christians believe combat selfishness”.

1) Humility

The first virtue on our list? Humility.

In a world that often applauds self-promotion, humility is a breath of fresh air. It’s the virtue that puts others first and ourselves second.

It’s not about thinking less of ourselves, but thinking of ourselves less. It’s about recognizing that we’re not the center of the universe and that our needs and desires aren’t always the most important.

Christians believe this virtue is key in combatting selfishness. After all, it’s hard to be selfish when you’re focused on others.

But remember, humility isn’t about being a doormat. It’s about approaching life with a spirit of gratitude and a willingness to put others’ needs above your own. It’s a virtue that requires practice, but it’s well worth the effort.

2) Generosity

Next up, generosity. Now, this is a virtue I hold close to my own heart.

I remember a time when I was fresh out of college, barely making ends meet. Despite my tight budget, I felt a tug in my heart to support a local charity that was providing meals to the homeless. It didn’t make much logical sense – I was barely feeding myself after all. But something inside me said this was the right thing to do.

So, I started donating a small amount each month. It wasn’t much, but it was what I could afford. And you know what? I never missed that money. In fact, I felt richer for giving it away.

Generosity isn’t just about money though. It’s also about giving of your time, your talents, and your heart. It’s about being willing to share what you have with others without expecting anything in return.

And Christians believe that generosity is a powerful antidote to selfishness. Because when you’re focused on giving, there’s no room for taking.

3) Patience

When it comes to combatting selfishness, patience is a powerful virtue. It’s the ability to wait, to endure without complaint, and to maintain a positive attitude while enduring adversity.

Bible mentions patience around 70 times across both Old and New Testaments. This highlights just how important this virtue is in the Christian faith.

Patience takes us out of the fast lane and teaches us to wait. It’s about understanding that good things come to those who wait, and not everything needs to be instant. This helps keep selfish desires in check, as it teaches us to consider the bigger picture rather than just our immediate wants or needs.

In a world that glorifies instant gratification, practicing patience is indeed a radical act.

4) Kindness

Kindness is another virtue that Christians believe can help combat selfishness. It’s the act of being considerate, compassionate, and empathetic towards others, no matter who they are or what they’ve done.

It’s about treating others as you would like to be treated. It’s about showing love and understanding, even when it’s hard. It’s about doing good deeds not for recognition or reward, but simply because it’s the right thing to do.

When you’re kind to others, it shifts your focus away from yourself and onto those around you. It’s a simple, yet powerful way to combat selfishness. After all, it’s hard to be selfish when you’re busy being kind.

5) Love

At the heart of all virtues, lies love. Christians believe that love is the greatest virtue of all and it’s indeed a potent antidote to selfishness.

Love, in the Christian sense, isn’t just a feeling. It’s an action. It involves caring for others, showing empathy, and being willing to sacrifice for the good of others.

When you truly love someone, their needs become as important to you as your own. This shift in perspective takes the focus off yourself and puts it onto others, thereby reducing selfishness.

In fact, the Bible even goes so far as to say that all other virtues are meaningless without love. It’s the glue that holds everything else together and the driving force behind a selfless life.

6) Forgiveness

Now, this is a virtue that can be challenging, but oh so rewarding – forgiveness.

We’ve all been hurt, wronged, let down by others in our life. And it’s easy to hold onto that pain, to let it fuel resentment and bitterness. But Christians believe in the healing power of forgiveness.

Forgiveness is about letting go of the hurt and the anger, not for the person who wronged you, but for yourself. It’s about freeing yourself from the chains of the past so you can move forward.

When you forgive, you open your heart to healing and love. You make room for peace and joy. And most importantly, you take a big step away from selfishness because forgiveness isn’t about ‘me’, it’s about ‘us’. It’s about rebuilding broken bridges and fostering understanding.

So yes, while forgiveness might be hard, it’s a virtue worth striving for.

7) Gratitude

Gratitude is another virtue that can help combat selfishness. It’s the act of recognizing and appreciating the good things in life, no matter how big or small.

There was a time in my life when I found myself consumed by negativity. I was unhappy, unsatisfied, always wanting more. It felt like no matter how hard I tried, I was never enough.

Then, I started a gratitude journal. Every day, I would write down three things I was thankful for. Some days it was big things, like a promotion at work or a kind word from a friend. Other days, it was small things, like a delicious cup of coffee or a beautiful sunset.

This simple practice shifted my focus from what I didn’t have to what I did have. It helped me realize how truly blessed I am and reduced my selfish desires for more.

Gratitude is a powerful virtue that can help us shift from a mindset of scarcity to one of abundance. When we’re grateful for what we have, we’re less likely to be consumed by selfish desires for more.

8) Faith

Faith is a virtue that might not seem directly related to selfishness, but it plays a significant role in combatting it.

Faith, in the Christian context, involves a trust in God and His plans for us. It’s about believing that even when things are tough, there’s a higher purpose and plan at work.

When we have faith, we’re able to let go of our need to control everything and trust in something bigger than ourselves. This shifts our focus from our own desires and needs towards a bigger picture.

It helps us to understand that life isn’t just about what we want or what we think we need. There’s a divine plan at play, and sometimes, what we want isn’t always what’s best for us.

By cultivating faith, Christians believe we can reduce our selfish tendencies and live a more fulfilling and meaningful life.

9) Selflessness

At the end of the day, the most essential virtue Christians believe can combat selfishness is, well, selflessness.

Selflessness is about putting the needs of others before your own. It’s about going out of your way to help others, even when it’s inconvenient. It’s about making sacrifices for the good of others without expecting anything in return.

It’s not about neglecting your own needs or well-being, but rather about finding a balance between taking care of yourself and caring for others.

In a world that often prioritizes self-interest, being selfless can be a revolutionary act. And it’s this virtue, above all else, that truly combats selfishness.

Final thought: It’s a journey

The journey towards combating selfishness is one that is deeply personal and unique to each individual.

These virtues, rooted in Christian faith, are not just moral commandments, but practical tools for living a more balanced and fulfilling life.

From practicing humility, showing kindness, to cultivating love and forgiveness, each virtue offers a different perspective. It takes us away from self-centeredness and brings us closer to understanding the true essence of being human – to be compassionate, to love, and to serve others.

Embodying these virtues doesn’t mean we become perfect overnight. It’s a lifelong journey. But it’s a journey worth taking. Because at the end of the day, these virtues don’t just combat selfishness; they enrich our lives and make us better human beings.

As the Bible says in Philippians 2:3-4, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of others.”

So, as we navigate through this journey called life, let’s strive to live by these virtues and create a world less about ‘me’ and more about ‘us’.