Titus 3:1-7
By the grace of God, we have been given a rare and wonderful opportunity to rise above the rest of humanity. We are now heirs of God, possessors of the hope of eternal life and of the knowledge of God's purpose. We are, as Jesus said, to be lights shining in the darkness of this evil age. So, Paul says, it is our responsibility as God's children in this world to fight the evil human nature within us and instead to display the nature of God in all of our actions—toward the world and toward one another—as we prepare for our ultimate work in His Kingdom.
Paul turns to a welcome positive note, emphasizing God's kindness, love, and mercy, through which He saves people not by works of righteousness they have done. Jesus came to reveal God the Father and His plan of salvation through His Son, placing believers into a new relationship with God. God's love and grace are gifts no one could ever earn; they can only be accepted in faith and obedience with humble thankfulness. Recognizing that they were once no better than unconverted people, Christians respond not with pride or contempt toward those living worldly lives, but with tremendous gratitude and humility. Salvation, though unearned, results in the need for good works, as God's children display His nature toward the world and one another.