“But—’When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, 5 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.[a] 6 He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. 7 Because of his grace he declared us righteous and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life.’ 8 This is a trustworthy saying, and I want you to insist on these teachings so that all who trust in God will devote themselves to doing good. These teachings are good and beneficial for everyone.” v. 5-8 (NLT)
This is another big BUT that changes how we live. The fact that God, through Jesus, would step out of Heaven to provide away for us to have a relationship with Him still blows me away. But God chose to provide for me not based on my good works or my own righteousness, but by what Christ did on the cross on my behalf. This means I can never be good enough for God to earn Gods forgiveness or love! But it also means that I can never be bad enough to keep God from loving me.
Now don’t think that gives us permission to do whatever we want and just ask God to forgive us. One day we will be held accountable for the things we have done, both good and bad. But, because of Gods generosity toward us, we should be living life in a different way, trying to learn and become more like Jesus everyday.
Today, think about the difference God has made in your life. Thank Him for stepping in and changing you from the inside out and providing a way for you to have a relationship with Him.
Filed under: Dan Gould, Devo | Tagged: Daily Devotional, Dan Gould, Titus 3
