Egoísmo
O egoísmo é o oposto do amor cristão. Jesus nos ensinou a negar a nós mesmos, tomar a cruz e segui-lo. A vida cristã é vida de entrega, serviço e generosidade.
Negar-se a si mesmo
Se alguém quer vir após mim, negue-se a si mesmo. O caminho de Cristo é o caminho da auto-entrega e do serviço.
34 And he called unto him the multitude with his disciples, and said unto them, If any man would come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
31 The second is this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.
20 I have been crucified with Christ; yet I live; and yet no longer I, but Christ liveth in me: and that life which I now live in the flesh I live in faith, the faith which is in the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself up for me.
3 doing nothing through faction or through vainglory, but in lowliness of mind each counting other better than himself;
24 But I hold not my life of any account, as dear unto myself, so that I may accomplish my course, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.
Viver para os outros
Ninguém busque o próprio interesse, mas o do próximo. O amor não busca os seus próprios interesses.
24 Let no man seek his own, but each his neighbour’s good.
4 Love suffereth long, and is kind; love envieth not; love vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, 5 doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not its own, is not provoked, taketh not account of evil;
18 Let no man deceive himself. If any man thinketh that he is wise among you in this world, let him become a fool, that he may become wise.
2 Let each one of us please his neighbour for that which is good, unto edifying.
25 The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.
2 A fool hath no delight in understanding, but only that his heart may reveal itself.
36 Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetousness.
16 For where jealousy and faction are, there is confusion and every vile deed.