Today's passage felt a bit short to me (I don't know about you...), but it was packed with a lot of great messages.
The one that stood out to me was Paul's message to Titus about God's gift of salvation. Here's what it says:
God's readiness to give and forgive is now public.
Salvation's available for everyone!
We're being shown how to turn our backs on a godless, indulgent life,
and how to take on a God-filled, God-honoring life.
I loved how Paul described salvation as proof of God's heart to give and forgive...everyone who accepts it. Wow.
So many people struggle with having a readiness to give--if left to our own devices, we might stick to our two-year old attitudes, whining, "MINE!!!" We might hoard things or obsess about finding the next big gadget or fashion. We might neglect caring for the poor or even our own family members (biological or spiritual) in need. We might live in fear--afraid to give of our time, money or talent because we're "too busy," "not rich," or "not good enough."
Similarly, many people struggle with the ability to forgive...other people or themselves. They can't let go of past hurts, anger or resentment. Instead, they build up walls of "protection"--that ultimately block them from knowing what it is to be really loved or love someone else in return.
God is completely different. He gave Himself and His very life for all of us--for you and me...for Mother Teresa and Dr. Martin Luther King...and for Hitler and Osama bin Laden. And he's willing to forgive all of us, too. I can't even imagine looking with kindness toward someone like a Hitler let alone loving them. But God did. And if anyone of us (yes, Osama, too) asks for God's forgiveness, He's willing to give it.
That seems totally absurd for me to even write. Crazy. It's extreme...but that's how much God wants to give and forgive.
God doesn't categorize sin or goodness like we do--all human beings are sinners in need of a Savior, all who accept the gift of salvation are saved, and everyone (saved and unsaved) is LOVED equally.
Another interesting thing? Those who want to really follow God should adopt a similar pattern--having a heart that's quick to give and forgive.
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