Our scripture this morning is Titus 2:11-14.
For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God, while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed. He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds.
Paul writes that “We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God” (v. 12), a call to evaluate our relationship with our Creator and the example we set here. It is easy to be angry about the inequities we see in this world, but Jesus teaches us to work together to care for all God’s children.
While righteous anger can be a catalyst for action, it is rarely productive in and of itself. Being angry takes a lot of energy and may actually distract us from the issue we want to resolve. We must move beyond anger to achieve solutions.
This passage reminds us that through Christ’s sacrifice for us, we have been washed clean, called and empowered to share God’s love in the world. We must not let sin back in through being angry. Breathe in God’s spirit, breathe out His love, and go with renewed hope to spread the Good News.
Gracious God, we are sorry for the times we let our anger prevent us from accomplishing the tasks You give us. May we be Your people, fueled by the love with which You created us. Amen.