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Once we, too, were foolish and disobedient. We were misled by others and became slaves to many wicked desires and evil pleasures. Our lives were full of evil and envy. We hated others, and they hated us.

But then God our Savior showed us his kindness and love. He saved us, not because of the good things we did, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins and gave us a new life through the Holy Spirit. He generously poured out the spirit upon us because of what Jesus Christ our Savior did. He declared us not guilty because of his great kindness. And now we know that we will inherit eternal life. These things I have told you are all true. I want you to insist on them so that everyone who trusts in God will be careful to do good deeds all the time. These things are good and beneficial for everyone.

Titus 3:3-8Titus 3:3-8
English: Contemporary English Version (1999) - CEV
3 We used to be stupid, disobedient, and foolish, as well as slaves of all sorts of desires and pleasures. We were evil and jealous. Everyone hated us, and we hated everyone. ⁴ God our Savior showed us how good and kind he is. ⁵ He saved us because of his mercy, and not because of any good things that we have done. God washed us by the power of the Holy Spirit. He gave us new birth and a fresh beginning. ⁶ God sent Jesus Christ our Savior to give us his Spirit. ⁷ Jesus treated us much better than we deserve. He made us acceptable to God and gave us the hope of eternal life. ⁸ This message is certainly true. These teachings are useful and helpful for everyone. I want you to insist that the people follow them, so that all who have faith in God will be sure to do good deeds.

WP-Bible plugin NLT

Our past failures, now forgiven, are put in stark contrast against the character God has given us. God’s kindness and love have given us salvation. He washed away our sins. He replaced the old life with a new life – the Holy Spirit as proof. No longer held guilty, we have been assured of a permanent relationship with Christ.

Paul tells Titus to insist that all believers understand this, so that they might constantly please God by their actions. The transformation God has accomplished motivates the believer to grow closer to Christ. The transformation encourages and emboldens others, as well.

We haven’t been given a “hallway pass” allowing us to do whatever, whenever. Instead, God has implanted his own heart into us. We want to please God. And coming from the desperate condition we were in, that is no small accomplishment.

reflect

We have been given a new life, and God is developing in us his own character. With that in mind, ask yourself the following:

• Who have I failed to show God’s love and kindness to recently?
• What can I do to correct this today?