¹¹ For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. ¹² And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God, ¹³ while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed. ¹⁴ He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds.

Titus 2:11-14 NLT

The Lord is so gracious to us – hallelujah! Salvation is available to all who will accept his free, merciful gift. Once we experience this beautiful heart change in our lives, and read about the incredible example that Jesus set for us here on this earth, we simply cannot keep living in the same way we were before! It’s time to start acting like we’ve been changed – like we’ve been set free.

Because we have these promises, dear friends, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that can defile our body or spirit. And let us work toward complete holiness because we fear God.

2 Corinthians 7:1 NLT

We must be completely committed to our Lord and Savior! If we truly recognize the enormous grace and love He’s given us, and dwell on how holy and mighty He is, how can we not praise Him!? This realization alone ought to increase our fear (awe/wonder/reverence) of God and our desire to serve Him only! When we live our lives in complete devotion to God and allow Him to work within us, everything about us changes. The way we speak, the way we act, and even the way we think. The Lord’s graciousness and love totally transforms us and begins to exude from us because of His Holy Spirit dwelling within us.

We prove ourselves by our purity, our understanding, our patience, our kindness, by the Holy Spirit within us, and by our sincere love.

2 Corinthians 6:6 NLT

Praise the Lord that He has given us His Word to guide us and provide us with His wisdom. Learning and growing in Christ is always a process. But when we truly turn to God and seek Him, He will guide us to His truth and forgiveness and give us a fresh start. He has given us a perfect example by coming down to this earth to live and die in humility and love. We ought to dig into His Word, seeking to become like the God of love Who has saved and redeemed us. In thanksgiving to my Lord and Savior, I desire to turn from my sinful past and turn to living life completely devoted to God!

¹⁷ But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere.

James 3:17 NLT