God's Attributes Reflected in UsSample

The Holy Spirit enables us to do good

“But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you.” (Luke 6:27)

God requires us to treat other people as we want to be treated. In Luke 6, the Lord Jesus even tells us to do good to those who hate us. That is a boundless, selfless, kindness that goes far beyond the ordinary. How can Jesus expect this from people who are “wicked from their youth”? Isn't this too much to ask? We often find it hard enough to be good to people who treat us with respect or kindness. Let alone being good to people who hate and harm us!

Indeed, from within ourselves, this boundless goodness is impossible. But read Galatians 5:22. There, goodness is mentioned as a fruit of the Holy Spirit. So when the Holy Spirit dwells in our hearts, something of God's goodness takes root in us. He Himself enables us to persistently do good (Romans 2:7).

The counterpart of goodness is wickedness. By nature, we are addicted to it. We cannot even do otherwise. But the Lord Jesus wants to make us free. Free from evil. Free to do good. Not in our own strength, but through the Holy Spirit who wants to dwell in us.

What do you think of Jesus' call to love your enemies and seek their good?