the Spirit gives birth to spirit

In John 3:6, Jesus is talking to Nicodemus and He makes the following statement, “Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.” I’ve read this many times, but it never really clicked, until I read this in a different translation. The NLT puts it this way, “Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life.”

That may not be very meaningful to you, but it is so huge to me! Jesus is telling us that we can only do so much. I’m not trying to downplay our efforts or activity, spiritually speaking. Our actions are important. But, ultimately only the Holy Spirit can actually give birth to spiritual life!

Yes, we should go out and gather the tinder, kindling, and fuel and arrange it as strategically as we can, but ONLY THE HOLY SPIRIT CAN BRING THE FIRE! In the same way, I can dampen the wood and create obstacles that make it harder for the fire to consume the wood. So our role is important, and yet it is still true that only the Holy Spirit can give birth to spiritual life. Ask Him to bring spiritual life to you today and to those you love. Ask Him to expand your capacity for more of His presence.