Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Cleansed by Mercy, Renewed by Spirit 

Bible Reading:   Titus 3:3-8 

Key verse:   "But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit" (Titus 3:4-5, NIV).

DEVOTION

As I reflect on Paul's words to Titus, it strikes me how truly transformative our journey is—from spiritual darkness into God's glorious light. Paul doesn't mince words about our former selves, does he? He describes us as once "foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures" (v.3). It’s an honest, even stark, assessment of humanity's fallen condition, and it deeply resonates with the Mar Thoma Church's understanding of original sin and our profound need for God's intervention. We simply can't pull ourselves up by our bootstraps. 
The incredible turning point isn't about our efforts; it’s entirely about God's generous initiative. That beautiful Greek word, philanthropia, which we translate as "kindness," truly captures God's deep love for humanity, so powerfully shown in Christ's coming among us. I'm reminded of how Metropolitan Juhanon Mar Thoma, in his commentary on the Pauline epistles, so clearly articulated that this passage underscores justification by grace alone—a foundational truth, a very cornerstone of our reformed tradition. It’s a gift, pure and simple. When Paul speaks of the "washing of rebirth" (palingenesia), it suggests the profound spiritual reality of our baptism. And then there’s that "renewal by the Holy Spirit," which points to the ongoing work of sanctification in our lives. Our Mar Thoma liturgy so beautifully captures this dual work: through God’s transforming grace, we are not only declared righteous, but we are actively being made righteous. It’s a dynamic process. 
This incredible salvation isn't just for our own benefit; it empowers us to be "eager to do what is good" (v.8). Our good works aren't something we do to earn salvation, but rather, they flow from it—a natural overflow of a life touched by grace. Every Sunday, as we gather around the Holy Qurbana, it serves as a powerful reminder that we are a people "zealous for good deeds," called to truly reflect Christ's character right there in our communities and in our daily lives. 
It's the Triune God—the Father’s boundless mercy, the Son’s perfect sacrifice, and the Spirit’s continuous renewal—who orchestrates this complete and wonderful redemption for each one of us. 

PRAYER

Gracious God, thank You for washing us clean through Your boundless mercy and continually renewing us by Your Holy Spirit. Please help us to live each day as Your transformed people, reflecting Your goodness to the world. Amen. 

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

We're saved not by our goodness, but profoundly for goodness—transformed by God's amazing grace so we can, in turn, be agents of transformation for others. 


Jacob J Thomas, Columbus, Ohio (affiliated to ST. Thomas MTC, IN)

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