As we have been studying the
words of Paul the apostle to Titus, we have learned a lot about
ourselves as well. When we consider ourselves and our lives before
Christ, we will have a different outlook upon those who do not have a
relationship with the Lord Jesus as yet. Paul noted in verse three of
chapter three that he and Titus were “were sometimes foolish,
disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in
malice and envy, hateful, [and] hating one another,” and
today Paul shares with us what made the difference in their lives in
verse four of the same chapter. He wrote:
But after that the kindness and love of God our
Saviour toward man appeared,
Paul begins this verse with
the word, “But” which is a disassociate conjunction which notes
that the words that are about to be shared are greater than those
before. In other words, Paul says, we used to be “this”, “But”
then this happened which is greater. We do well to pay close
attention to what is next.
Paul says, “after that
the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared.”
Foolishness was bound in our hearts. Disobedience was a way of
life. Living in deception was part of our being, and serving
different lust and pleasures was part of who we were. It was nothing
for us to live with malice, envy and hatefulness, “But”
God our Savior's kindness and love toward us appeared. Paul wrote in
the book of Romans in chapter two and verse four:
Or do you despise the riches of his goodness and
forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God
leads you to repentance?
Paul says it was the
kindness and love of God that lead both he and Titus to a
relationship with God. It is imperative that Titus keep this
perspective as he ministers among the people of Crete. To do so would
make Titus a more effective teacher, a more compassionate pastor, and
as one who knows what it means to be out of fellowship with God.
Note too that Paul writes,
“toward man appeared.” It wasn't simply the revelation
toward Paul and Titus that the kindness and love of God appeared. No,
it was also “toward man.” God desires that everyone have a
personal relationship with Him. The past ways and attitudes of a
person is not a barrier to fellowship with God. God already knew how
we were, and He knew our attitudes in the world when He sent His Son
Jesus to die on the cross for our sins. He has done the same for
those who have not surrendered their lives to Him as yet.
So how are we when it comes
to those who do not know the Lord Jesus as their Savior yet? Are we
understanding toward their wicked and foolish ways? Does their speech
offend us to the point that we tend to think ourselves better? Do we
have a true understanding in our hearts and minds that we must
remember that we were once that way too? Perhaps we should consider
exhibiting the kindness and love of God toward others even when it
appears that they are prime examples of what we used to be.
Next time we will continue
to study what Paul says really happened when we came to know Jesus as
our Savior, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until tomorrow...there is
more...
Look
for the new devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From
Generation to Generation” in all major bookstore sites,
www.amazon.com
; www.barnesandnobles.com
; download
to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore
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