The definition of selfless

I just got back from taking my darling dog for a walk. Now while you probably dont think much of that in itself...bear in mind the temperature outside is approximately 8 degrees if not lower. While I was walking, I started to joke with myself about how I was such a good guy to my dog...forgoing my tv watching to take her for a walk which as with most dogs is their single most favorite thing!

But what is the true definition of a selfless act? Is it taking a dog for a walk in freezing conditions? Is it taking your girlfriend to watch a movie of her selection? Is it dining a restaurant with your partner, one which is their favorite and your most disliked? Is it giving up the opportunity to watch the footy so you can take your loved one to watch the ballet instead?

All these acts are very caring, very loving, very nice...but they all fail to compare to one of the most selfless acts known to man...that being Jesus dying on the cross for our sins. Jesus took it upon himself to bear the weight of all of our sins and his crucifixion won a victory for us all. By His blood, we are forgiven. By His pain, we are saved. By His life we are able to come into a relationship with our heavenly Father.

One of the most popular verses of the Bible is John 3:16

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life

For God so loved us that He gave His only son. His one and only son was given up so that we could come into God's presence blameless and free of sin. God loves us so much that in order for us not to perish, He gave up His only son. No matter how you look at it...it truly represents a selfless act of love for us.

Jesus loves us so very much. He didn't only love us that single day He died for us on the cross...no He loves us each and everyday. I know myself that there are days that I get caught up in the weight of the world...I spend less time in His presence and more time in the presence of things in this world. But what we must never forget, never downplay and never under appreciate is how much Jesus loves us.

"“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you." John 15:12