Titus chapter 3 verses 3-7 (NIV)
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 Saviour 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 Saviour, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.
Paul ‘s life completely changed when he met Jesus. He’d been zealous in persecuting the believers of “the way” who had trusted in Jesus. He’d been a witness at the stoning of and martyrdom of Stephen. Yet when he had an encounter with Jesus himself on the road to Damascus, his world was turned completely around. Was he condemned for the way he had behaved? No. Were people suspicious of this turn around? Initially some were.
But Paul reminds Titus that inspite of how all of us behaved before we came to Christ, it was the kindness of God that drew us in, and continues to draw others in. Thus we too must show kindness to others by living out the example of Christ. It is not our place to be harsh or condemn. People watched to see whether this change in Paul would last, and many lives were impacted by his story. People will be watching us too. Nicky Gumbel says”You live out what you believe in front of a watching world.” Let’s make sure we do so with a large dose of kindness.
Dear Lord,
Thank you for the kindness that leads us to repentance – kindness that we didn’t deserve. So help me never to withhold that kindness that may draw lives to you. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.