All weekend long, “avoid quarreling, be gentle, show perfect courtesy toward all people… for we ourselves were once foolish… hated by others and hating one another. But then the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared as a sovereign, redemptive epiphany. God saved us 100% by his mercy, the substitutionary work of Jesus, and the washing and renewing work of the Holy Spirit” Therefore, we of all people should love well. (Based on Titus 3:1-6)
Heavenly Father, what a great prepping-passage for this upcoming weekend—and for the rest of our lives. We mustn’t take our relational clues from those around us, but from the Gospel of your grace—from Jesus and everything you have given us in him:
Christ for us—our perfect salvation. Christ in us—our hope of glory. Christ over us—our peace and sanity in a chaotic cosmos. Christ under us—our safe collapsing zone at the end of the day and the end of life. Us in Christ—our “righteousness, holiness and redemption.” Christ with us—our Immanuel, defender, and companion all the way Home. Christ behind us—redeeming our messes and “having our back.” Christ in front of us—preparing to return for us, glorious Bridegroom for his most beloved Bride.
Father, your “goodness and loving kindness” are 1000 times more worthy of our attention than the “hating one another” going on all around us in our country and world. Because you have generously washed us and are renewing us by the Holy Spirit, free us this whole weekend to “avoid quarreling, be gentle, and show perfect courtesy toward all people.” Anybody can repay in kind; we want to repay in kindness. Before long, everything will be put right and made new and beautiful. Thank you, and So Very Amen.