Our scripture this morning is Titus 3:3-7.
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. He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. Because of His grace He made us right in His sight and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life.
In this passage Paul writes to his friend Titus telling him (and us) that God sent His son to save us “not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy”. Jesus didn’t come to us because we were improving in faith, He came because we had failed. God loves us so much that He was willing to sacrifice Himself that we might be saved.
Here Paul reminds us that “once we too were foolish and disobedient.” In Romans 5:8 he says “But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.” Even the most devout believers must admit there have been times we have missed the mark and not been in accordance with God’s will. Jesus came to show us the way back to a full relationship with our Heavenly Father.
We hear that “He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit.” Christ died and rose again that we might be saved. Paul and others through the ages have taught us this. Now as the disciples of today we are called to carry on sharing the Good News of His kingdom.
Loving Lord, we are ashamed of the ways we have fallen. Bless us to live new lives in You, spreading God’s love to all the world. Amen.