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 hee called the people vnto him with his disciples, and saide vnto them, Whosoeuer will follow me, let him forsake himselfe, and take vp his crosse, and follow me.
31 And the second is like, that is, Thou shalt loue thy neighbour as thy selfe. There is none other commandement greater then these.
20 I am crucified with Christ, but I liue, yet not I any more, but Christ liueth in me: and in that that I now liue in the flesh, I liue by the faith in the Sonne of God, who hath loued me, and giuen him selfe for me.
3 That nothing be done through contention or vaine glory, but that in meekenesse of minde euery man esteeme other better then himselfe.
24 But I passe not at all, neither is my life deare vnto my selfe, so that I may fulfill my course with ioye, and the ministration which I haue receiued of the Lord Iesus, to testifie the Gospell 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 seeke his owne, but euery man anothers wealth.
4 Loue suffreth long: it is bountifull: loue enuieth not: loue doeth not boast it selfe: it is not puffed vp: 5 It doeth no vncomely thing: it seeketh not her owne things: it is not prouoked to anger: it thinketh not euill:
18 Let no man deceiue himselfe: If any man among you seeme to be wise in this world, let him be a foole, that he may be wise.
2 Therefore let euery man please his neighbour in that that is good to edification.
25 The liberall person shall haue plentie: and he that watereth, shall also haue raine.
2 A foole hath no delite in vnderstanding: but that his heart may be discouered.
36 Incline mine heart vnto thy testimonies, and not to couetousnesse.
16 For where enuying and strife is, there is sedition, and all maner of euill workes.