…ism
Classism Altruism
Classism: Discriminatory attitude based on distinctions made between social or economic classes. A systematic assignment of characteristics of worth and ability based on social class.
“My fellow believers, do not practice your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ with an attitude of partiality [toward people - show no favoritism, no prejudice, no snobbery].”
James 2:1 AMP
“For God shows no partiality [no arbitrary favoritism; with Him one person is not more important than another].
Romans 2:11 AMP
Altruism: Selfless concern for the well-being of others.
Egotism: An excessive or exaggerated sense of self-importance.
“Godly love cannot be perfect unless a man love his neighbor also. Under which name must be included not only those who are connected with us by friendship or neighborhood, but absolutely all men with whom we have a common nature, whether they be foes or allies…”
-Saint Gregory the Great
“Love does not traffic in shame and disrespect, nor selfishly seek its own honor. Love is not easily irritated or quick to take offense.”
1 Corinthians 13:5 TPT
Scriptural Basis for Altruism
“Look at how much encouragement you’ve found in your relationship with the Anointed One! You are filled to overflowing with his comforting love. You have experienced a deepening friendship with the Holy Spirit and have felt his tender affection and mercy.
2 So I’m asking you, my friends, that you be joined together in perfect unity—with one heart, one passion, and united in one love. Walk together with one harmonious purpose and you will fill my heart with unbounded joy.
3 Be free from pride-filled opinions, for they will only harm your cherished unity. Don’t allow self-promotion to hide in your hearts, but in authentic humility put others first and view others as more important than yourselves.
4 Abandon every display of selfishness. Possess a greater concern for what matters to others instead of your own interests.”
Philippians 2:1-4 TPT
For Thought:
“The path forward toward unity for the Christ follower must be driven by scripture over ideology, obedience over upbringing, and humility over culture and media influence.”
God has given us the resources needed to practice altruism:
o He has encouraged us!
o He has filled us with His comforting love!
o He has given us the Holy Spirit as our friend and guide!
o He has shown us tender affections and mercies!
Desegregation will break down the legal barriers and bring (people) together physically, but something must touch the hearts and souls of (people) so that they will come together spiritually because it is natural and right. A vigorous enforcement of civil rights laws will bring an end to segregated public facilities which are barriers to truly desegregated society, but it cannot bring an end to fears, prejudice, pride, and irrationality, which are the barriers to a truly integrated society. These dark and demonic responses will be removed only as (people) are possessed by the invisible, inner wall which etches on their hearts the conviction that all men are brothers and that love is humankind’s most potent weapon for personal and social transformation.
-Dr. Martin Luther King
Steps of Wisdom:
o Every time I have a negative, critical, or judgmental thought towards someone, I stop and make myself aware that it is wrong. I then say a short prayer and ask God to forgive me.
o I purpose to lessen the amount of time I spend viewing news or social media and I choose to read the Bible to inform me about how I should feel about other people and how I can pray for them.
o I share with a friend my ongoing struggles with projecting judgments towards others and confess these faults to free myself from self-condemnation.
o I look for opportunities to practice altruism and possessing a selfless spirit of concern and help for others.
But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure and full of quiet gentleness. Then it is peace-loving and courteous. It allows discussion and is willing to yield to others; it is full of mercy and good deeds. It is wholehearted and straightforward and sincere. 18 And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of goodness.
James 3:17-18 TLB