Photo from Pixabay

Is it reasonable to expect that a truly loving relationship can grow out of one that is based on selfishness? While many things are possible, not everything is probable! A relationship that has its roots in selfishness does not have a good start and generally will lead to frustration, since true friendship and love may never materialize. It is small wonder, then, that many relationships (and even marriages!) begin and later end without the parties ever making friendship the center of their relationship. When we are motivated by selfishness, and self-indulgence of any kind is the goal rather than cherishing and loving another person, the relationship with that person suffers and the participants are impoverished or emotionally shipwrecked. For example, sexualizing romance leads to a lack of respect for the other person, which makes friendship and genuine affection even more difficult. Selfishness is ultimately self-defeating.  

A focus on oneself promises great rewards and fulfillment, but ironically leaves one less fulfilled in the end. It has been said that sin promises so much but delivers so little. Selfishness doesn’t lead to lasting satisfaction but rather to emptiness, and the longer it is practiced, the emptier, more broken, and less satisfied we become.