Paula Deen, Hate and Mercy / Titus 3:4-5

"But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous thing we had done, but because of his mercy." Titus 3:4-5a

The Apostle Paul knew all about hate. He went from house to house to persecute the church.  But the kindness and love of God appeared to him. Saul was changed to Paul. 

Think back in your life. Remember what God in Christ has saved you from. I am always struck by the amount of hate I see in the world today. And there is no mercy, no grace. Think of Paula Deen, the now ex Food Network host. Years ago she used a racial slur. There is no grace for Paula Deen from the world. There is forgiveness, mercy and grace from Christ.

But, that is not how God works. God sent Jesus Christ to die for ALL our sins. It is not about our righteous deeds, because they are but filthy rags in his eyes (the only eyes that matter), it is about his mercy. There is mercy for me and you. 

So stop and take stock. Are you living more like before you gave your life to Christ? Maybe you have never given your life to Christ? Is hate, malice and envy controlling you and dominating your thoughts? Maybe it's time to get some mercy. Maybe it's time to share some mercy and grace. 

Father, thank you for your mercy and grace toward us! Help us to live in your mercy and give your mercy to those around us. Praise be to you in us today!