Thursday, August 1, 2024

At the heart of our faith is the cornerstone that gives us strength and stability: Jesus Christ. That sounds simple and easy to understand. However, it is more complex than we realize. Paul beautifully encapsulates the essence of his work and the profound impact it has on our lives.

Titus 3:4-5
⁴"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."

This passage is a pivotal truth: our salvation is entirely rooted in the mercy and love of God, revealed through Jesus Christ. It is not a reward for our righteousness or good deeds. In a world that often measures worth by accomplishments and merits, this is a refreshing and liberating truth. God's love is not something we earn; it is freely given.

Jesus, in his kindness and love, stepped into our brokenness. He saw us not as we were—marred by sin and failure—but as we could be, washed clean and made new. His sacrifice on the cross was the ultimate act of mercy, a divine exchange where our sins were placed upon him and his righteousness was given to us. This washing away of sins is a transformative act that results in a new birth and a new life.

The new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit signify a profound transformation. It is more than a change in behavior, it is a change in identity. We are no longer defined by our past sins or failures but by the new life we have in Christ. The Holy Spirit works within us, continually renewing and sanctifying us, helping us to grow into the likeness of Jesus.

We are called to live in gratitude and humility because of our renewal. Knowing that our salvation is a gift of mercy should inspire us to extend that same mercy and love to others. As recipients of such boundless grace, let us be conduits of that same grace, pointing others to the kindness and love of Jesus.

In every moment, remember that it is all about Jesus. His kindness, his love, and his mercy have changed our lives forever. Let this truth anchor your soul and guide your steps as you walk in the new life he has given you.

Questions:
How can you embrace and live out the truth that your salvation is a gift of mercy and not based on your own righteous deeds? What steps can you take to deepen your understanding and appreciation of God’s grace in your daily life?

In what ways can you extend the mercy and love you have received from Jesus to those around you?

Next Steps:
Identify specific actions or attitudes you can adopt to reflect Christ’s kindness in your interactions with others.

This week, choose one person in your life who needs to experience the love and mercy of Jesus. Perform an intentional act of kindness for them, such as offering help with a task, providing a listening ear, or simply spending quality time with them. Reflect on how this act mirrors the mercy and love you have received from Jesus, and pray for an opportunity to share your faith and the message of God’s grace with them.

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, thank you for your boundless kindness and mercy. I am humbled and grateful that my salvation is not based on my own deeds but on your grace. Wash away my sins, and renew me daily through the Holy Spirit. Help me to live out your love and extend your mercy to those around me. Guide my actions and words so that they reflect your grace. Use me to bring others closer to you. In your precious name, I pray. Amen.

Series Theme Verse:

Titus 2:14
“He [Jesus] gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds.”

Today’s post was written by Monique Myers, a regular contributor to the LivingItOut Devotional.