Putting Others Before Yourself Like Christ's Selfless Sacrifice
Putting Others Before Yourself Like Christ's Selfless Sacrifice
The concept of putting others before oneself is deeply rooted in the biblical teachings and the example set by Jesus Christ. In Philippians 2:5-8, the apostle Paul exhorts believers to have the same mind as Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, and humbled himself to the point of death on the cross [4].
This selfless sacrifice is a hallmark of Christian discipleship. Jesus taught his followers to love their neighbors as themselves (Mark 12:33) [1], and to love one another as he has loved them (John 13:34) [9]. This love is not merely a feeling but a choice to act in the best interest of others, even if it means sacrificing one's own interests.
The early Christian community exemplified this selfless love, as seen in Acts 20:35, where Paul quotes Jesus as saying, "It is more blessed to give than to receive" [2]. This attitude is echoed in the writings of the apostles, who encouraged believers to prioritize the needs of others over their own (1 Corinthians 6:7) [5].
The biblical concept of self-denial is closely tied to the idea of putting others before oneself. Torrey's Topical Textbook highlights the importance of self-denial in following Christ, citing examples such as denying ungodliness and worldly lusts (Titus 2:12), controlling one's appetite (Proverbs 23:2), and abstaining from fleshly lusts (1 Peter 2:11) [3].
The theological significance of Christ's selfless sacrifice is multifaceted. According to John Chrysostom, Christ's humility and self-emptying serve as a model for believers to follow, demonstrating that true greatness lies in serving others [4]. Calvin interprets Philippians 2:5-8 as teaching that Christ's self-humiliation is a prerequisite for exaltation, and that believers who follow his example will also be exalted [6].
Different Christian traditions have emphasized the importance of putting others before oneself in various ways. The Eastern Orthodox tradition, as represented by John Chrysostom, stresses the importance of humility and self-sacrifice in imitating Christ [4, 7]. The Reformed tradition, as represented by Calvin, emphasizes the need for believers to follow Christ's example of self-humiliation and service to others [6]. The Methodist/Wesleyan tradition, as represented by Adam Clarke, highlights the importance of loving others as Christ has loved us, even to the point of laying down one's life for others [8, 9].
Sources
- Mark “Mark 12:33 (NASB) — AND TO LOVE HIM WITH ALL THE HEART AND WITH ALL THE UNDERSTANDING AND WITH ALL THE STRENGTH, AND TO LOVE ONE'S NEIGHBOR AS HIMSELF, is much more than all burnt offerings and sacrifices."”
- Acts “In all things I gave you an example, that so laboring you ought to help the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” -- Acts 20:35”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Self-Denial — Christ set an example of -- Mt 4:8-10; 8:20; Joh 6:38; Ro 15:3; Php 2:6-8. A test of devotedness to Christ -- Mt 10:37,38; Lu 9:23,24. Necessary In following Christ. -- Lu 14:27-33. In the warfare of saints. -- 2Ti 2:4. To the triumph of saints. -- 1Co 9:25-27. Ministers especially called to exercise -- 2Co 6:4,5. Should be exercised in Denying ungodliness and worldly lusts. -- Ro 6:12; Tit 2:12. Controlling the appetite. -- Pr 23:2. Abstaining from fleshly lusts. -- 1Pe 2:11. No longer living to lusts of men. -- 1Pe 4:2. Mortifying sinful lusts. -- Mr ”
- CCEL/NPNF (Eastern Orthodox) “John Chrysostom, Homilies on Galatians–Colossians–Thessalonians: Homily VI. Philippians ii. 5–8 “Have this mind in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: who, being in the form of God, counted it not a prize to be on an equality with God, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men; and being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, becoming obedient even unto death, yea, the death of the cross.” Our Lord Jesus Christ, when exhorting His disciples to great actions, places before them Himself, and the Father, and the Prophets, as examples; as when He”
- 1 Corinthians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 Corinthians 6:7: 6:7 Even to have such lawsuits with one another is a defeat for you: To sue a fellow believer reflects self-interest rather than concern for the welfare of others or the glory of God. • Why not just accept the injustice? Christians are called to follow the example of Christ’s self-sacrifice (see Matt 5:38-42).”
- CCEL (Reformed) “Calvin, Commentary on Philippians, Colossians, 1-2 Thessalonians, section 11.7: his image. Now, that all are happy who, along with Christ, voluntarily abase themselves, he shews by his example; for from the most abject condition he was exalted to the highest elevation. Every one therefore that humbles himself will in like manner be exalted. Who would now be reluctant to exercise humility, by means of which the glory of the heavenly kingdom is attained? This passage has given occasion to sophists, or rather they have seized hold of it, to allege that Christ merited first for himself, and afterw”
- CCEL/NPNF (Eastern Orthodox) “John Chrysostom, Homilies on Acts & Romans: towards another, that is, be friends, and warm ones too. Do not wait to be loved by another, but leap at it thyself, and be the first to begin it. For so wilt thou reap the wages of his love also. Having mentioned the reason then why we ought to love one another, he tells us also the way in which the affection may grow unchangeable. Whence he proceeds, “In honor preferring one another.” For this is the way that affection is produced, and also when produced abideth. And there is nothing which makes friends so much, as the earnest endeavor to overcome ”
- Philippians (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Philippians 2:5: Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus - Christ labored to promote no separate interest; as man he studied to promote the glory of God, and the welfare and salvation of the human race. See then that ye have the same disposition that was in Jesus: he was ever humble, loving, patient, and laborious; his meat and drink was to do the will of his Father, and to finish his work.”
- John (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on John 13:34: A new commandment I give unto you - In what sense are we to understand that this was a new commandment? Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself, was a positive precept of the law, Lev 19:18, and it is the very same that Christ repeats here; how then was it new? Our Lord answers this question, Even As I have loved you. Now Christ more than fulfilled the Mosaic precept; he not only loved his neighbor As himself, but he loved him More than himself, for he laid down his life for men. In this he calls upon the disciples to imitate him; to be ready on all occasions to lay ”