Dynamic Change!

Kind gestures are sometimes extended to people who are complete strangers. They are also extended to those who might be seen as undeserving. Such graciousness is wonderful to witness. In fact, are not such actions very God-like in nature?

Note what Paul mentioned in his letter to Titus.
“(3) For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another.” ( Titus 3:3 ESV)

That is definitely a picture of the absence of GOODNESS and KINDNESS. The life described by Paul was one expressed in terms of foolishness, rebellion, being off course, enslavement, and downright ugliness toward others. What more awful picture of an ungodly spirit could be drawn? Though mankind was created in the image of God ( Genesis 1:27) how much more unlike God could that picture be? Where is the benefit for anyone when such is the disposition?

Paul went on to encourage…
“(4) BUT WHEN THE GOODNESS AND LOVING KINDNESS OF GOD OUR SAVIOR APPEARED, (5) he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, (6) whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, (7) so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. (8) The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so THAT THOSE WHO HAVE BELIEVED IN GOD MAY be careful to DEVOTE THEMSELVES TO GOOD WORKS. These things are excellent and profitable for people.” ( Titus 3:4-8 ESV)

Though the GOODNESS and LOVING KINDNESS of God has not been deserved, it has come anyway. God sent the Son into a very undeserving world and our salvation did not come because of “works done by us in righteousness”, but rather in accordance with God’s mercy. His GOODNESS and LOVING KINDNESS were extended with the desire for an appropriate response from us. Are we acknowledging the true blessing this is? If so, it should impact the way in which we are toward others.

When the GOODNESS and LOVING KINDNESS of God appeared through the sending of the Son to save, He also provided the means for transformation, making it possible to renew our character. Acknowledging God’s GOODNESS and LOVING KINDNESS in saving us, justifying us by His grace, and thus making us heirs of eternal life, should have a dynamic impact on our disposition. What should this cause us be devoted to? Paul urged Titus to insist on a devotion to “good works.” Good works should flow naturally from a genuine character of GOODNESS and LOVING KINDNESS. Exhibiting those godly characteristics in our life has the potential to also promote dynamic change in the lives of those around us. May the GOODNESS AND LOVING KINDNESS of God be evident in our actions.

Have a great day REVEALING THE EXCELLENCE AND PROFITABLENESS OF GODLINESS!
Carl

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