But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior
appeared, he saved us, not because of any works of righteousness
that we had done, but according to his mercy, through the water of rebirth
and renewal by the Holy Spirit.
Titus 3:4-5
Titus writes his letter to a Christian community persecuted by the
Greco-Roman pagan majority. The people in the community felt
desperate, angry, downtrodden, or vulnerable at the injustice they
faced from Roman authorities.
Titus writes to encourage the community and outline a strategy for them
to continue to live with their pagan neighbors. In the verse before, he
reminds his Gentile readers that they aren’t perfect. They have also been
“disobedient, misled, slaves… of passions and vices” instead of trusting in
God’s grace. Instead of focusing on their hardships, he reminds them of
the gifts God has already given them.
I can be like Titus’s disobedient readers. Sometimes, I am forgetful.
Sometimes, I am lazy. At this time of year, I can be selfish and
overwhelmed with the trappings of the holiday season. But Titus reminds
us all that Jesus comes to save us in spite of our bad behavior.
God’s grace is given freely, through baptism, and renewed by the Holy
Spirit. No matter what we do, we are never separated from the love of
God. Titus reminds us to take that love and share it, spreading the Good
News of God’s grace come to us in Jesus. How lucky are we that God
came to us, made us righteous, and now sends us out to share that love
with the world?
Dear Lord, Thank you for your unending grace and perfect love.
Help us to share that love with others as we navigate the trials and
tribulations of daily life. Amen.
Heidi Shilanskas is Seminarian at United Lutheran Seminary and Youth
Director at Star of Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Bethlehem, Pa.
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