I want to taste that joy.

Our instinct is to hate.

Our instincts are never forgiving.

But God is commanding us to live not according to our instinct,

But to forgive and love those who hate us (Lk. 6:37; Mt. 5:44).

We have no power to obey this word of God.

It is only God who gives that power.

‘For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose’ (Phil. 2:13).

God enables us to overcome our instinct and forgive and love those who hate us

By bringing forth in us the fruit of the Spirit, love (Gal. 5:22).

There is divine joy in forgiving and loving (Ps. 90:14). 

I want to taste that joy.