Remember From Whence You Were Saved

Today’s Bible Reading:  Isaiah 1-3; Titus 3

Journal Entry on a passage from today’s reading:

Topic: Humility and Grace

SCRIPTURE:  Titus 3:1-7

¹ Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, ² to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men.

³ 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. ⁴ But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, ⁵ 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, ⁶ whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, ⁷ so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. (Titus 3:1-7 NIV)

OBSERVATION:

Paul continues to advise Titus on how to instruct the people he is called to lead. Sometimes we need to be reminded of where and who we were when Christ saved us. As we rightly stand up for what is right and good, and stand against ungodliness and immorality in our society, in our zeal we may tend to treat people harshly or even hatefully. This should not be! No, in all humility we must remember how foul our lives were before the grace of God saved us through Christ. We must remember that we have no righteousness apart from Christ and those people who hate and revile us are just like we used to be.

APPLICATION:

Yes, we need to stand against evil, but lovingly stand for those who are “foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures” as we once were.   

PRAYER:

Lord, help me and fellow Christian believers strike the proper balance in combating evil, yet loving evildoers—loving people who are lost and need to find life and purpose in relationship with You. Even when they despise and hate us, keep our hearts resolute yet humble and gracious.

By Your love and grace in Christ Jesus. Amen.  -AP