This Statement Is Trustworthy
AM Psalm 72 • PM Psalm 111, 113
2 Samuel 7:1-17 • Titus 2:11-3:8a • Luke 1:39-48a(48b-56)
What a great line, “This statement is trustworthy…” (Titus 3:8, NASB). These words were written by the author of Titus. While not all scholars agree on who that is, we can certainly ascertain that the Epistle of Titus’s purpose was to set in order things that had fallen out of order within a Christian community. The author instructs Titus to exhort these early Christians (read authoritatively). The author’s words are relevant to us too. They remind us that Christians are not to slander others. Further, we are to be “ready for every good deed” and to “be gentle” and “show consideration for all people” (Titus 3:1–2, NASB).
How do we show consideration for all people? How do we prepare to be ready for every good deed? Are we serious Christians or are we just fooling around? As Christians, we’re supposed to know that none of us are Christians because of some great thing about ourselves. We are Christians because we have faith that,
The grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all people, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously, and in a godly manner in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, eager for good deeds (Titus 2:11–14, NASB).
We believe Christ died, that He is risen, and that He will come again in glory. I believe in this statement can transform our lives. As the author of Titus points out,
For we too were once foolish, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures, spending our life in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another. But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we did in righteousness, but in accordance with His mercy (Titus 3:3, NASB).
When the Love of God for mankind appeared, He saved us. He saves us now. All the time. Every single day. This statement is trustworthy. During this advent season, I pray for God to make speed to save us. I pray He will lead us out of a worldwide pandemic. I pray He will lead us out of a pandemic of cruelty and indifference. I pray that you and I will find life and renewal in the words “The love of God has appeared.”
God love you.
Written by Jonathan Wright
Jonathan is a native of Atlanta, GA and came St. Paul’s from the Cathedral Church of Saint Mark in Salt Lake City, UT. He enjoys a good laugh, spending time with his dog Polly, and reading people’s reflections on the scriptures every morning.