“But when the goodness and loving-kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of any works of righteousness that we have done, but according to his mercy, through the water of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit. This Spirit he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life” (Titus 3:4-7).
The word for kindness is only used ten times in the New Testament. Of the ten times, six of them refer to the kindness of God toward sinners.
God offers sinners salvation and eternal life purely based on God’s goodness and kindness. There is not one who is worthy of the grace and kindness God offers, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.
These verses in Titus summarizes the good news. Salvation is all God’s doing. All that we can do is to receive God’s gift and offer of salvation.
So what’s the big deal?
Simply put, God anticipated our stupidity and foolishness when God chose to save us. When God called us to participate in his kingdom work, God already took into account our stupidity and foolishness!
Isn’t that good news?
I am not suggesting that we go out of our way to prove our stupidity and foolishness. I am suggesting that when we mess up, get right back up and try again to do it better next time. Because God will use even our stupidity and foolishness to accomplish God’s work.
The greatest tragedy is if we were to do nothing with the gift of salvation God has given us.
Even during this pandemic, do your part to share God’s good news in practical and timely ways to those around you. We do this not to earn God’s favor, but because we have already received God’s favor!
So, what can you do today to share God’s good news with the people around you? How can you join in showing God’s kindness in a practical and timely manner?
Praxis: Faith in Action 