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Day 21: Titus 1-Hebrews 6

Anelisse Boyd, Missionary + Member at UPPERROOM

“Grace teaches us how to live”

Titus 2:11-12

God's marvelous grace has manifested in person, bringing salvation for everyone. This same grace teaches us how to live each day as we turn our backs on ungodliness and indulgent lifestyles.

The Grace of God is tangible; it came in person. The Grace of God is ready to meet us in any situation life presents us, and it's not partial. Grace is the power of God that saves us in the exact moment we need it. It comes when all else fails and crumbles around us. The world is not reliable, and the truth is that even those who love us will fall through on their promises. But the Grace of God is a fount that never runs out and never runs dry.

We're not talking about a concept here. Jesus is the living fount of Grace, and His invitation is, 'Come, follow me.' We are following His way with the help of His Grace, which not only saved us but also taught us how to live.

The church Titus led in Crete and Philemon's house church in modern-day Turkey had indeed encountered this life-changing power of Grace. In Paul's letters to them, we get some insight into what following the invitation of Grace into fuller maturity looks and sounds like.

It looks like loving generously, respecting people, never tearing them down, and being considerate, humble, and courteous (Titus 3:1-2.) It looks like devoting yourself to good works and addressing the urgent needs of others (Titus 3:14.) It sounds like "put his debt on my account" (Philemon 1:18.)

The people God has set apart to be His very own get to be a family that loves each other like this. It is not a cold, transactional corporation. Instead, it is a family that loves and sees one another, serves generously, and hosts hospitably.

The reading for today ends in Hebrews 6. Verse 10 says, "How can He (God) forget the beautiful work you have done for Him? He remembers the love you demonstrate as you continually serve His beloved ones for the glory of his name."

God remembers our acts of love, forgiveness, and service toward one another. Even if they seem simple to us or to the world, when we love each other like this, it is the power of Grace working in our lives, and it touches the heart of God!