Biblical Answer

Is It Selfish to Want to Live When Others Suffer?

Understanding Selfishness

The concept of selfishness is often misunderstood. Some argue that living for oneself is the essence of selfishness. However, this definition is too broad and elastic. The Christian perspective on selfishness is different. We are called to live for others, not just ourselves. Philippians 2:3 says, "Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind let each of you regard one another as more important than himself" (NASB). This means that true selfishness is not about seeking our own good at the expense of others, but rather about living for ourselves in a way that disregards the needs and feelings of others.

The Christian Perspective on Suffering

The Bible teaches us that suffering is a part of life. However, this does not mean that we should seek suffering or that it is beneficial. Instead, we are called to care for those who suffer and to show compassion to those in need. We cannot insulate ourselves from suffering, and we must recognize that we cannot avoid it. As the Bible says, "We do not begin to find ourselves until we have become willing to lose ourselves in the service of Christ and of others" (Matthew 16:25). This means that living for others is not only the right thing to do, but it is also the key to finding ourselves and living a meaningful life.

Is Wanting to Live Selfish?

Wanting to live when others suffer is not necessarily selfish. In fact, it is a natural response to the desire to live and to experience life. However, it is how we respond to suffering that matters. If we allow our desire to live to become an excuse to disregard the needs of others, then it can become selfish. But if we use our desire to live as a motivation to care for those who suffer, then it can be a selfless act. As the Bible says, "We do not live for ourselves, but for Him who died for us and was raised again" (2 Corinthians 5:15). Therefore, wanting to live when others suffer is not inherently selfish, but rather it is a choice that we must make with intention and purpose. We can choose to live for ourselves and disregard the needs of others, or we can choose to live for others and show compassion to those in need. The choice is ours.