Selfless Love
by Inspiration Ministries
"Ahasuerus who reigned from India to Cush over 127 provinces … held a banquet for all his officials and attendants, the army officers of Persia and Media, the nobles and the officials of his provinces." – Esther 1:1-3 NASB Ahasuerus ruled a vast kingdom. Eager to impress others, he gave a lavish banquet lasting 180 days! Then he wanted to show off the beauty of his wife Queen Vashti. But much to his frustration, she refused to honor his request. He became very angry. Although he could command an empire, he could not force his wife to come to a banquet. How many relationships fall apart because one partner thinks of the other as property. Like Ahasuerus, they have selfish goals. Many families are torn apart by selfishness. Many marriages are broken when one of the parties thinks primarily of themselves. The Bible tells us the importance of love for marriage and all relationships. This is a selfless, sacrificial love in which husbands “love their own wives as their own bodies” just as Christ showed His love for the church (Ephesians 5:28). Paul’s insights help us see that Ahasuerus was being self-centered, not motivated by love. Paul explained that Christian love means being patient and kind, not jealous, bragging, or arrogant. Love “does not seek its own, is not provoked.” Love “bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things” (1 Corinthians 13:4-7 NKJV). This love cannot come from our flesh, for it is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). Today, ask God to let His selfless love flow through you. Allow His love to transform you and share that love with others. Prayer Father, thank You for loving me. Forgive me for any selfishness. Help me to impact the world with Your love. In Jesus’ name, amen. Extended Reading Esther 1
