Titus 3 - Living with Grace

by Katrina

LINK: Titus 3

BACKGROUND
Here's the gist of what Paul's saying in this chapter.

How are believers to treat others?

• submit to authority
• be ready to do good deeds
• malign no one
• be uncontentious (don't argue)
• be gentle
• show every consideration for all men

Remember where you've come from. You were:

• foolish
• disobedient
• deceived
• enslaved to various lusts & pleasures
• spending your life in malice and envy
• hateful

But Jesus came and saved you. You no longer have to live that way. Remember, you did nothing good to earn your salvation, but purely by the mercy of God, you are saved. He washed you. He renewed you. He gave you the Holy Spirit. He justified you. He gives you eternal life. He has shown you great mercy and grace. Extend the same grace to others.

And one more thing - Don't waste your time and energy on arguments. And don't let argumentative people get a hold in the church.

REFLECTION
Usually the people we show the least grace to are those who live in our household or are close relatives. We tend to be more patient with friends and strangers than with our own families. But that is not how we should live. We should remember the grace God has extended to us -- and what great grace that is! -- and extend that grace to others.

APPLICATION
Do you need to be more patient with someone? Do you need to do good for someone? Let's show the kindness of our Savior to others. Let's show His love for mankind to those around us. Let's not waste our time and energy quarreling about meaningless things. Let's be considerate and gentle instead.

PRAYER
Lord, you have rescued us from a life of malice, envy, hatred, slavery to sinful desires, foolishness, and deception. By your grace, you have washed away all that sin and have enabled us to live different lives. May we extend that same grace to others, showing your love and kindness to the people around us. In the name of Jesus, amen.