Counsels on Relationships

Counsel #7 — Self-Sacrificing Friendship

Picture: Counsel #7 — Self-Sacrificing Friendship CR 25.1

Self-sacrifice is a quality of highest regard and a major theme throughout the entire Bible. Jesus is our best Example and Model of what it means to practice self-sacrifice (Philippians 2:6-8). To be self-sacrificing in friendship means you won’t demand your own way, be absorbed only in your own interests, or be jealous and competitive. CR 25.2

To “love your neighbor as yourself,” you must be willing to put aside your own agenda and desires for the good of others, including your friends.^[23] In your self-sacrifice, however, remember to maintain healthy boundaries so your friends’ needs won’t cause you to neglect your best Friend, Jesus, and the loyalty you have for Him (Matthew 22:37, 38).    CR 25.3

“Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.” Philippians 2:3 NKJV CR 25.4

“There are many who do not live out Christ’s merciful, unselfish life…. God created them to live in a world where unselfish service must be performed.… But self is so large that they cannot see anything else. They are not in touch with humanity.” Ellen White in The Desire of Ages, p. 584 CR 25.5

Reflect: Do you struggle with being absorbed in your own interests? How do you regularly look for ways to serve others unselfishly? CR 25.6