“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. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 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, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.” Titus 3:3-7 (NIV)
Don’t hide what is on the inside. God made the first move to come to your rescue. His initiative to reconcile you to Himself was birthed out of His unconditional love for you. God has such a wonderful plan for your life that includes your past, your pain, and your present situation. Be careful not to lose sight of where you were when God made Jesus known to you. Don’t detach from the reality of your former condition. Allow your past to be a reminder of how gracious God is and how His mercy endures forever.
When you consider the love God has demonstrated in your own life, it will motivate you to love others with the measure of love you have received. When you calculate the depth of the forgiveness God has granted to you, it will stir you to extend forgiveness to others in the same measure. God saved you not in response to your righteousness, but out of His abundant mercy. Choose to be merciful toward others as God has been toward you.
God has generously poured out His Holy Spirit on you and allowed you to experience the new birth in Christ. You have been justified by His grace. Having the hope of eternal life, you have become an heir with Christ. This is the time to celebrate God’s compassion in action. This is the time to build bridges to broken people so that they can experience the new birth in Christ that has transformed your life. They can have what you have! You can change their forever!
Pursuing God,
Stephen Trammell
Executive Pastor