Selflessness

Philippians 2:3-4

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”

The third way to prepare yourself for marriage and to be a godly wife is to practice selflessness. Philippians 2:3-4 tells us to do nothing from a place of selfishness. Instead, we are to value others and look out for their best interests. Putting this scripture into practice is a great way to prepare yourself for marriage from a biblical perspective. A marriage requires humbly serving your spouse and putting their needs above your own. And it works because both spouses should come into the marriage with this mindset. That way, both people get what they need in the relationship.

So, how do you become more selfless?

Practice Active Listening

Active listening is a profound way to demonstrate selflessness. James 1:19 advises, "My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry." By prioritizing listening over speaking, you show that you value the other person’s thoughts and feelings. By improving your ability to listen actively now, you will be better equipped to understand your spouse’s needs and make them feel loved and respected.

Serve Without Expecting Anything in Return

True selflessness in marriage is characterized by serving your spouse without expecting anything in return. Following Christ’s example of service, look for ways to serve people in your life to get really good at it. In the same way, you’ll reflect unconditional love and generosity when you serve your husband in marriage.

Cultivate Empathy and Understanding

Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another, and it’s crucial for a selfless marriage. Hebrews 4:15 reminds us that we have a high priest who can empathize with our weaknesses. In the same way, strive to cultivate empathy with others and, eventually, with your spouse. Put yourself in other people’s shoes and view situations from their perspective. It will dramatically improve how you respond to their needs. Empathy lays a solid foundation for a loving, selfless marriage.

Becoming more selfless is about putting love into action through listening, serving, and empathizing, following the example set by Christ. By incorporating these biblical principles into your daily life, you prepare yourself to enter a marriage that reflects God’s love.