“Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior…
“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.
“Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you…
“We ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life… Grace be with you all.” Titus 1:4b; 2:11-15; 3:3-7,15b
Paul’s letter to Titus began and ended with grace, progressing through its admonitions and instruction dependent on and laced with that same grace. Grace had greeted them into salvation, and would keep them steadfast and pure. Eventually it would close their lives here on earth and usher them into eternity.
For every Christian, God’s grace in Christ saves and seals us, and takes us home. In between it abides and guards, convicts and quickens, sanctifies and fortifies. It is gritty getting into and uncovering our mess, and gracious in its grating to fit us for full life in Christ. By God’s Spirit grace convinces of sin, gives strength to renounce it and choose right, and inspires holiness and praise.
Tracing God’s grace through our spiritual journey makes note of the ways and places He applies it. By its nature it shows up, unsought and unearned, to make alive our sin-dead souls. The Lord graciously sprinkles undeserved love into hated and hating sinners, saving us out of death unto life, foolishness unto wisdom, meaninglessness unto purpose. (Ephesians 2:1-5)
Where have we seen God’s grace work in the past, and how are we living differently? In what areas is it working now, teaching, refining, restoring? In what relationships do we need an infusion of grace? Are there grudges we hold, or judgments we nurse? If by grace we’ve been saved, it will see us through to put off these besetting sins. Where will we yield to God’s ministry of grace today? How and on whom will we lavish as Christ has on us, that they might share our hope?
“Amazing grace (how sweet the sound)
that saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found,
was blind, but now I see.
Through many dangers, toils and snares
I have already come:
’tis grace has brought me safe thus far,
and grace will lead me home.” ~John Newton (1779)
Lord, may I ever sing of Your grace, and live out my gratitude by responding to its inner work and extending its outer glories.
As the rain and snow 