Benevolence and Malevolence

"Benevolence is the hearfelt desire to be obliging and to do good to others. It is of two kinds. Christian, or perfect, benevolence always remains the same, no matter whether it encounters gratitude or ingratitude. The imperfect human, or earthly benevolence continues only so long as it meets with appreciation, but ceases when it encounters ingratitude or any other evil. In Matthew 5:48 we read: You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.' and in Luke 6:35: 'But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil..' Malevolence, on the contrary, is the perverse, hateful tendency to hurt or harm others. In his total depravity man does injury even to those who are grateful and good, and not merely to the evil. That truly is bestial malevolence. With regard to Christian benevolence it is written in Galatians 5:22: The fruit of the Spirit is...gentleness, goodness." - Martin Luther, "Commentary on Romans," pg. 50.