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 to him the multitude with his disciples, and said to 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, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these."
20 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me; and the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
3 Do nothing from selfishness or conceit, but in humility count others better than yourselves.
24 But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may accomplish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to 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 one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor.
4 Love is patient and kind; love is not jealous or boastful;5 it is not arrogant or rude. Love does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful;
18 Let no one deceive himself. If any one among you thinks that he is wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise.
2 let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to edify him.
25 A liberal man will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.
2 A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion.
36 Incline my heart to thy testimonies, and not to gain!
16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.