Titus 3:3-7
At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.
These verses remind us again that envy has no place in a loving heart. I read this morning that Titus was a Gentile, converted to Christianity by Paul, and became Bishop on the Island of Crete. He was a trusted friend to Paul. In this letter, envy is listed on the “BC” side of the equation, along with malice and hatred. On the other (AD) side we have kindness, love, mercy, generosity and rebirth. We who know Christ and have accepted God’s gifts must live this out. Who else can show others the love of God? God will help us, but we must be the hands and feet. No envy, no hatred.
Holy Lord, I am so thankful. You teach me daily how to be a better person. Help me today to bring your love to someone who needs it. I am yours. Amen
Becky, transforming
Titus 3:3-7
Paul is a very good teacher. He includes himself (we) when speaking of the time before "God our Savior" taught us kindness and love, It is always good to understand that the teacher has been through the same circumstances that you have. I think this is why group therapy is so helpful to so many. Everyone in the room has been there and understands. Paul's point that Jesus saved us by his sacrifice helps everyone understand that there is a road they can take toward a better life.
Prayer: Gracious God, like Paul, help me be a better teacher of your word. Amen
Titus 3:3-7
‘So easy in this crazy world to be foolish and disobedient, ‘so much out there to lead us astray.
Dear Lord, please help me to be the best I can be, to be compassionate, kind, helpful and be a good Christian example. Amen
Titus 3:3-7
These verses are a striking summation of the power of Christ to renew our minds. This kind of deliverance from darkness to light simply cannot be achieved by mere force of will. “I’m a good person” is a vain misconception without acknowledging the Source of goodness. With every malicious, envious or hateful thought, no matter how fleeting, I am confronted by my sin nature. Just as I need to shower every day, I also need daily washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit. With it my jealousies and all other sin is kept at bay, but I dare not go a day - even an hour - without dependence on the Spirit to keep me spiritually…
Tuesday, November 12th, 2024
Titus 3:3-7
For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
This is so true. A perfect plan of a life well lived , doing…