Titus 3:5 – Sweet Mercy

“[H]e 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.” (Titus 3:5)

Far too often Christians strut around touting their salvation as if it was something they deserved for righteous living. That’s not a good look on us! Our salvation is not based on anything we do or have done. This memory verse helps us keep that truth straight. We only have this hope because our God is merciful.

Context: Our verse of the day is part of a section called, “Do What is Good.” The author starts by pointing to elected officials challenging them to do good and quickly shifts to us and our own sinful tendencies. The generosity of God to his disobedient followers knows no bounds. That’s the tone of the texts surrounding our verse today.

God is the one who saves us and gives us new life. Who he chooses to save is up to him. Although, we have clues in God’s Word about what our role in that is. It’s ultimately God, thanks to his grace and mercy. I want to live my life in a way that honors my merciful God.

How does it make you feel to know your sins are washed away and you’ve been given new life through the Holy Spirit? It seems almost too good to be true. What does your rebirth look like? Can you remember what your life looked like before you knew God and his love and grace? I, for one, am grateful God’s mercy extends to all believers.

This week’s Bible lesson at the orphanage where I teach is about the faith of Cornelius, a non-Jew, and Peter’s vision of what is clean and unclean. God revealed to Peter that the Holy Spirit was available to Jews and Gentiles. That would have rocked their world. Here, Paul talks about the Holy Spirit as the life bringer. That’s why it’s such a big deal to be filled with the Holy Spirit. We can tap into an ever-ready energy and wisdom source.

The pressure is off, isn’t it? When we accept that there is nothing we can do to make ourselves righteous, there is peace. Instead, we place our confidence in God. Is there anything you’d like to give up for God? We may not make ourselves righteous, but we can make ourselves available for God’s service and be blessed. Rather than “give up” for God, perhaps it’s better to “give back” to God, responding to his sweet mercy.

Let’s pray. Father, I thank you for how you have all things securely in your hands. Thank you for helping me overcome my feelings of inadequacy when it comes to my latest mission for you. I know I am not perfect, but in my own weakness, I am made strong by you. Cleanse and empower me for the work you have for me. I want to shine your light in this dark world. In Jesus’ name. Amen.