Scripture: Titus 3:1-11 (NIV)
1 Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, 2 to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men. 3 At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. 4 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. 8 This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone. 9 But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless. 10 Warn a divisive person once, and then warn him a second time. After that, have nothing to do with him. 11 You may be sure that such a man is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.
Observation:
The Scriptures let us know who we are supposed to be and to remind us of who we used to be before Christ came into our lives. We are supposed to be doing good and not slandering others.
To be humble and peaceable and considerate of one another.
Basically we are supposed to be different than we were before Christ saved us from our sins.
We need to remember that it is not because of any good things we have done but because of His MERCY because he loves us! God knows how we were before, and also how He wants us to be, so he had MERCY on us and changed our lives through being BORN AGAIN and RENEWED by the HOLY SPIRIT through JESUS CHRIST.
When we have experienced this wonderful MERCY through Jesus Christ, we should be devoted to doing good.
Application:
Be aware of the change of our eternal destination because of the MERCY shown us through Jesus Christ. We should devote ourselves to doing good, not causing problems and issues wherever we go. We have the capacity because of Christ, to do good things, while being loving, kind, considerate, and humble toward everyone.
Pay attention to those who cause divisions, warn them twice then have nothing else to do with them. That sounds tough but it is right out of the Scripture.
Prayer:
Father I thank you for the mercy you extended me through Jesus Christ. Help me to be devoted to doing good and helping others and not always involved in my own interests. Thank you for bringing me out of darkness and giving me opportunities to share your love and grace with others. Help me to hold a steady course so that I do not cause division or disruptions where I go. Thank you Father for your MERCY and may many others experience your mercy each day.