Text: Titus 2:11-15
“Grace is the voice that calls us to change and gives us the power to pull it off.”
– Max Lucado
What would my everyday life look like if I understood—really understood— that grace influences my choices and how I respond?
I am a freak about being on time. As you can imagine, it can really set me off when my son is running late for school. Recently, I had an exceptionally bad morning which led to me flying down our street, taking air over speed bumps, yelling and ranting, all at the same time. As we came to a stop at the end of our street—where, ironically, I was about to make a right turn—I looked over and saw a boy with slumped shoulders and tears in eyes. My heart sank as I realized my anger, frustration and ugly words were hurtful and out of control, and we were not late. I quickly pulled myself together and thought about the grace God was giving me in that moment as I silently repented of my self-righteousness. As we continued our drive, I apologized for my outburst and asked my son for forgiveness. Our conversation was calm, gentle and kind. His physical demeanor changed, with shoulders rolled back and a smile on his face. When he got out of the car, he said, “Thanks, Mom. I love you.”
God’s grace is a gift, and with that gift comes responsibility to be a student of God’s word so that our character can be shaped to become more like Christ. As we are trained by grace our rugged edges are smoothed out, and our responses and how we treat others will change. Thanks to the Holy Spirit, we learn to self-correct when we get off track. Thank God He loves us in the process!
Grace gives life, and that life sets off a chain reaction. We learn, we experience, we grow, we change–and we pass it on. “These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority” (Titus 2:15, NLT). Wow! It is a challenge that can be accomplished because His spirit lives in us, trains, equips and encourages us along the way so that we can be obedient Change Agents, fueled by grace.
And so our daily life goes on. There will be mishaps and there will be mistakes, yet let us be inspired and motivated “to live self controlled, upright, godly lives in the present age…” (Titus 2:12).
What right turn in your character is God training you to make so that you might be more like Jesus?
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Guest writer Debbie Eaton is a Southern CA girl who is passionate about the impact of daily influential God moments we have with one another. She deeply values being a follower of Christ, a wife of 27 years, mother of a teenage son, the beauty of friendship, writing, speaking, leadership and a good cup of coffee. She was the Director of Women’s Ministry at Saddleback Church.
This has made me think about the outcome of Gods forgiveness…his kindness which produces repentance. When I see just how kind God is by forgiving me through the sacrifice of his own son, I should be overwhelmed with thankfulness and wonder…a wonder that makes me want to know Christ and delight in the gift that he has given me – not trample it with actions against him.
How beautiful! His kindness DOES lead to repentance!! Thank you for reminding me!!
11 “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, 12 instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age, 13 looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus, 14 who gave Himself for us to REDEEM US FROM EVERY LAWLESS DEED, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds.” Titus 2:11-14
Am I truly allowing God’s grace to influence my choices? Am I demonstrating His grace on my life to others by laying down my own will for their benefit?
Or am I selfishly pursuing my own desires despite the stumbling block I may be laying for others? “To the pure all things are pure…” Titus 1:15 but am I excusing my actions for selfish ambition? Jesus said, “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” John 15:13 “All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.” I Corinthians 6:12 “And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.” I Corinthians 13:3 Lord, help me to love others the way You love them. Show me where I have been using Your grace selfishly and help me to turn it around for Your glory and the pursuit of perfect love.
“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.” Matthew 5:14
“I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.” Galatians 5:16
I have lived that story, sadly, repeatedly. I have had too many opportunities to model humility and ask forgiveness. Grace has brought us through 18 years. So good to be reminded that God covers even our stubborn learning.
After living a double life and being held by strong holds of substance abuse and sexual immorality…God has called me to make a right turn in my character by surrendering my physical body to Him and freeing myself of this recurring sin which has caused me so much heart ache over the years. I am thankful for the grace God has shown me while walking with me through the darkness. I pray for discipline, wisdom, and obedience to be a Titus 2 woman!
I just prayed for you right now Haylee! May He grant you the wisdom, discipline & obedience & all the other things you need to overcome in these areas! I’ve been there, too. You got this!
G-R-A-C-E! Oh amazing grace how sweet the sound, I once was lost but now i'm found…..Thank you Jesus for always being so amazing and always showing me new mercy everyday. Even when I don't love myself because of something that I may do to offend you Lord. You still forgive me and show me GRACE!!!! HALLELUJAH!!!!!!
Trained by Grace. I like that. Although it’s extremely hard to constantly love in light of Grace, it is possible. So I’m gonna take the first step in this journey. Pray that I’m filled with grace, patience, and love. Here goes!
I’m 19, unable to go to college yet, and jobless. I take care of my niece sometimes and I definitely let my frustration out on her when I’m having a bad day. This is Word I’ll definitely keep a screenshot as to remind me of grace! thank you so much!
We have 3 kids, 2 are adopted and special needs. I needed this today, as I’m not always as grace-filled as I desire to be with them. Asking Jesus for more!!