Once we, too, were foolish and disobedient. We were misled and became slaves to many lusts and pleasures. Our lives were full of evil and envy, and we hated each other.

But - When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love,

he saved us, 

not because of the righteous things we had done, 

but because of his mercy. 

Titus 3:3-5a NLT

Envy. The word here is "phthonos", to be glad at someone else's misfortune, it means a heart in decay.

Hatred. The word here is "miseo" which means to "love less". 

Desires driving our choices, misleading us.

This is what Paul is telling Titus to remind the Christians in Crete that they have been saved from. It's not about "hell" or some future thing, but saved from the things in us that lead to destruction and decay. That left to ourselves will lead to slavery.

Saved from the things that damage us in the here and now. 

But God.

But God loves us.

And stepped in and made a way, because He loves us. 

Maybe we need that reminder too.

#Titus 

#but God

#lovemadeaway

#youareBeloved