While Dave and I were in Greece several years back, we visited the island of Crete. One of the things I wanted to see most while we were there was the Church of Titus. Titus had traveled with Paul on one of the missionary journeys but instead of completing the trip with Paul, Titus stayed in Crete.
Paul left him there to evangelize the island.
We found the Church, it wasn’t one of the most elaborative we had seen in Greece but there was a sense of peace. It was a place of worship for the members of the community and those of us who were temporary travelers.
This morning, I was reading in the book of Titus. Paul was writing Titus from prison and giving him instruction for the new believers on Crete. Listen to these kind words of an aged apostle to his younger protege and to new followers of Christ.
“ Remind your people that they should always be under the authority of rulers and government leaders. They should obey these leaders and be ready to do good. 2 Tell them not to speak evil of anyone but to live in peace with others. They should be gentle and polite to everyone.
3 In the past we were foolish too. We did not obey, we were wrong, and we were slaves to the many things our bodies wanted and enjoyed. We lived doing evil and being jealous. People hated us and we hated each other. 4 But then the kindness and love of God our Savior was made known. 5 He saved us because of his mercy, not because of any good things we did. He saved us through the washing that made us new people. He saved us by making us new through the Holy Spirit. 6 God poured out to us that Holy Spirit fully through Jesus Christ our Savior. 7 We were made right with God by his grace. God saved us so that we could be his children and look forward to receiving life that never ends. 8 This is a true statement.
And I want you to be sure that the people understand these things. Then those who believe in God will be careful to use their lives for doing good. These things are good and will help everyone.” Titus 3:1-8 ERV
“I want you to be sure that the people understand these things. He saved us, He saved us, He saved us”!
These words came from a heart filled with kindness for the people of Crete and they are also for us.
Be ready to do good. Be gentle and polite. Live in peace because we used to be foolish too, but God made us right with Him by His grace. We are to use our lives for doing good.
Some of the kindest words I ever heard were these:
“But Christ died for us while we were still sinners, and by this God showed how much he loves us.” Romans 5:8 ERV
With our words of kindness, we show God’s love to the world. I’m grateful for His love!