He saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. Because of his grace he declared us righteous and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life.

This is the last week of our Everyday Evangelism series, and I love that we end on the subject of grace. To talk about grace, we also need to talk about mercy because grace and mercy go hand in hand. It’s difficult to talk about one without the other, because one brings the other.

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A little background about our passage today: The letter of Paul written to Titus is very short, just three chapters. Titus is on the island of Crete where he is ministering to the churches on the island. Being far off and somewhat isolated (island living), Paul wants to encourage Titus in his calling to the Cretans and so lists the attributes of the elders of the church.

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In the third chapter, Paul calls Titus to “Remind them (the elders of Crete) to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people. 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. But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us…” (emphasis added). We could stop there — he saved us, but the next part is key, “not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.”

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Mercy is NOT getting what we deserve (punishment, wrath, separation from God), and grace is getting what we DON’T deserve (loving kindness, hope, blessings, and an eternal inheritance). That is what is promised to those who have chosen to follow and fully surrender to Jesus - NOT because of anything good or righteous we do, but solely because of His mercy.

I don’t know about you, but that gives me so much hope and confidence. See, I don’t have to strive and struggle to earn His love and grace — He gives it freely. That means I get to simply follow Him, obey Him, and surrender to Him. In my own power, I would be unable to navigate my life in a fulfilling way, but in His power, I can live abundantly — and that’s what He wants for me — and for YOU!

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And because He loves us, “He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit.” That means we don’t have to stay enslaved to our worldly desires and struggles, we can be free in Him. We have His power living IN us. We have His presence living IN us. We have His glory living IN us. Because of His great mercy, He bestowed on us the ability to be co-heirs with Christ. THAT.BLOWS.ME.AWAY!

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How does that translate to those around us? Well, I don’t have to worry that I won’t have the “right” words for my questioning friends. I don’t have to worry that I am inadequate to talk about the Gospel. I don’t have to worry that I’m not “enough.” Because the truth is, all of that is absolutely true without the Holy Spirit. But with Him, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).

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So friends, be confident. You have ALL you need to share Jesus with those around you because you have the Holy Spirit living inside of you. Who is one person you can share your story with? What is stopping you from sharing it? Give those things to God Almighty and share your story — His mercy and grace — and He will bless it mightily!

Father God, Maker of Heaven and Earth, Alpha and Omega - What have we to fear with You on our side? What have we to lose when we step out in obedience to You? If You are for us, who can be against us? God, give us courage, clarity, and wisdom in sharing you loving mercy and amazing grace. Show us who You want us to share the Good News with and equip us to walk forward in that calling. In the saving name of Jesus ~ AMEN!