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. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus. Philippians 2:3-5
“A sensible human once said, “If people knew how much ill-feeling Unselfishness occasions, it would not be so often recommended from the pulpit”; and again, “she’s the sort of woman who lives for others — you can always tell the others by their hunted expression”. All this can be begun even in the period of courtship. A little real selfishness on your patient’s part is often of less value in the long run, for securing his soul, than the first beginnings of that elaborate and self-consciousness unselfishness which may one day blossom into the sort of thing I have described. some degree of mutual falseness, some surprise that the girl does not always notice just how unselfish he is being, can be smuggled in already. Cherish these things, and, above all, don’t let the young fools notice them. If they notice them they will be on the road to discovering that love is not enough, that charity is needed and not yet achieved and that no external law can supply its place. I wish Slumtrimpet could do something about undermining that young woman’s sense of the ridiculous.”
Uncle Screwtape in Screwtape Letters: Letters from a Senior to a Junior Devil by C.S. Lewis (Samizdat University Press, 2016) 54-55.
I spoke with my dear brother, Anjji Gabriel in Manila, Philippines on Monday. Since he’s a “senior citizen” he’s been basically homebound during COVID. When I asked what he has done to pass the time, he said a few things, including reading C.S. Lewis books. For that reason, until I run out of titles, look for my upcoming Daily Meditations to come from C.S. Lewis books.
Today’s post comes from the pen of Uncle Screwtape. Two excerpts struck me: “she’s the sort of woman who lives for others — you can always tell the others by their hunted expression.” Do you live for others? Do you pursue people? I think I live in an unselfish manner and yet, I don’t think I pursue others or hunt them down. God, help us pursue those around us unselfishly.
The other statement that stood out to me was this one: “…they will be on the road to discovering that love is not enough, that charity is needed…” In our unselfishness, we must add charity or grace to love because of our many sins and imperfections. This will serve to help our relationships with others stay strong. God, help us add a generous dose of grace toward others.