“One of the most spiritual things you can do is embrace your humanity. Connect with those around you today. Say, ‘I love you’, ‘I’m sorry’, ‘I appreciate you’, ‘I’m proud of you’, whatever you’re feeling. Send random texts, write a cute note, embrace your truth and share it. Cause a smile today for someone else. And give plenty of hugs.”
~ Steve Maraboli
Life is filled with choices. Many of those choices could be assessed as falling into one of two categories: selfish or selfless. If we are selfish, we are going to say and do things for our own benefit. It someone else benefits from our choice, so much the better. If someone doesn’t benefit, it doesn’t bother the selfish person. As long as the selfish person gets his or her needs met, all is fine.
The selfless person, on the other hand, would like things to go well. However, when all is said and done, the selfless person has his or her sight directed outward rather than inward. The choices made will be conscious decisions that affect others positively. If the selfless person wants something but knows that the choice may harm someone else, make someone else unhappy, or any way negatively affect another, the selfless person will not choose it.
Jesus was the most selfless person we have ever known and will ever encounter. He gave of Himself constantly, pouring Himself out for us on the cross. He invited people into His life, ministered to the needs of everybody, and challenged people to grow in holiness knowing that would be for their best. He modeled selflessness and challenged us to do the same.
In this world where the spotlight is often upon “self”, make a conscious effort to turn your spotlight onto “other” today. Look out for the needs of others. Provide for them. Care for them. Love them. You will find, in doing so, that your needs will be met as well because the way to be fulfilled is to care for others.
FAITH ACTION: You heard the man. Make someone feel good about himself or herself today.