Scripture:
Titus 3:3-5 – Once we, too, were foolish and disobedient. We were misled and became slaves to many lusts and pleasures. Our lives were full of evil and envy, and we hated each other. But, “When God our savior revealed his kindness and love, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit.”
Observation:
Paul is reminding Titus to be humble to everyone as we all had turned from God when he showed his grace on us. God loved us so much that he saved us out of his kindness and mercy. Our actions do nothing to grant salvation. Through faith in Jesus, our sins are wiped away and we are born again in Christ and have the power of the Holy Spirit indwelling within us and a new life.
Application:
Sometimes when I think how can someone not get the Gospel? I need to remind myself of the path opposite from God that my life was on. A disobedient slave after my own lust/ pleasure, full of evil was just a day in the life. We must show humility to others and treat them with the kindness and love that God poured out to us when we were undeserving. Showing someone kindness by taking time to care about, listen to and pray for their needs is much more loving than looking down and pointing a finger when we are all sinners. I can’t forget that God saved me out of the mire of my sin when there was no other way out. There is no amount of good work I can do to merit salvation. The price for my sin has already been paid for by Christ on the cross at Calvary. Through faith in Jesus my life as a slave to sin is dead and I am granted a new life with the Spirit to guide me in righteousness. By learning to walk in the Spirit, I have strength to overcome and not want things from my life prior to knowing Jesus.
Prayer:
Father, Thank you for your grace and mercy you show to me every day. Let me remember your gospel daily and have your Spirit guide me to share you love.