Last night our fellowship group had several interesting discussions on the topic of walking in the Spirit vs. the sinful nature based on Galatians 5:16-26. One of those was whether unsaved persons can truly commit a selfless (or non-self-centered act). I argued that even apparent selfless acts (eg, giving time or money to the poor with no expectation of reward) are ultimately derived from fleshly impulses and are therefore both sinful and selfish, since they originate from flesh/self rather than the Spirit. Others in the group disagreed, saying that while the Holy Spirit may not indwell unsaved persons, He can still work in them to produce selfless acts. We ended up split on the issue, so I wanted to write here and see what the PB members think. Is it possible for an unregenerate person to perform a selfless act?

Thanks in advance for any thoughts...

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Mason
Member, Redeemer Presbyterian Church (PCA)
New York, NY

"Come now, and let us reason together," says the Lord, "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool." - Isaiah 1:18