Paul underscored an important insight we should keep close to heart:

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.

Jesus saved us not due to our noble qualities or virtuous lives, but due to his mercy. I’m made of dust (not super-dust), and thankfully the Lord treats my dirty self with compassion.

In our world mercy remains in short supply, which throughout history has always been the case. Mercy rarely makes headlines or advances one’s career.

Remembering God’s merciful treatment helps me consider mercy toward others. His mercy involved our rebirth through the Holy Spirit, who now indwells each believer and grants the ability to act with mercy. Paul said:

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.

Through the energy of the Holy Spirit I can actually develop into a more merciful person. Hard to believe what the Lord might accomplish in our fragile lives.

Holy Spirit, allow me to better understand your mercy, and may I extend it to those in my path.

Titus 3 in reading the Bible in 2023

Photo by Dominik Kuhn