Verses 4-7 in
our reading this morning are nothing short of a declaration of
VICTORY!
Some PROFITABLE things surround this core of powerful
words. Being justified by grace demands appropriate behavior. We
are to “be careful to engage in good deeds.” Verse 2 is a pretty
good behavioral definition of LOVE! Let it stand with 1Cor
13:4-8a
Titus 3:1-8 Remind them to be subject to rulers, to
authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed, 2 to
malign no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing every consideration for all
men. 3 For we also once were foolish ourselves, disobedient,
deceived, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures, spending our life in malice
and envy, hateful, hating one another.
4 But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind
appeared, 5 He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in
righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and
renewing by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom He poured out upon us richly through
Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that being justified by His grace we would
be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
8 This is a trustworthy statement; and concerning these things I want you
to speak confidently, so that those who have believed God will be careful to
engage in good deeds. These things are good and profitable for men.
My Prayer:
Father God, we live and hope by Your grace and mercy and love. You
created us in Your Image, Father, help us to be careful as we present Your
image to the world we live in. May we live so that the world will see Your love
in our love. Help us to be powerful and indiscriminate as we love.
Help us to be light and salt to the world. Lord, make us like
Jesus. We pray in His name, Amen.