Titus 3:3 What You Once Was

“At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another.” Titus 3:3

Paul admits his bad past, what he once was like. In this admission he also adds other believers who he is writing to. This is every believer.

Every person is born into sin. Being deceived every person lives a bad life of sin. Even the best of people are deep in sin until they come to Jesus.

Foolishness can often be found in doing things for the wrong reasons or saying the wrong thing. Disobedience is found in breaking the laws of the land and God’s laws. Deception is found in thinking that you are doing the correct thing and are in the right. Slavery is found in being bound to sinful habits and things.

Why would Paul remind his readers of their bad past? Many people will say the past is the past, let it go and forget it.

You must remember who you once were, the way you once lived. One reason is so that you remember the grace God has given you, what God has removed from you. This shows God’s great love for you.

As you remember what God has done for you, you can then pass that same grace and love on to others. It is easy to get angry with sinners in the way they act and live, but that is what you once did. Your sin was no greater or less than anyone else’s sin.

Do not cut others down because of their sin. Do not show hatred for those who are living in sin. Show compassion and mercy. Strive to point them to Jesus. Show His love that they may choose to accept what Jesus offers.

Seek God for strength to show His love to others. Never forget where you once were so that you can show that love.

I pray today that God will remind you of what He has done for you; that you will have God’s love and mercy for others; that you will have compassion for those who are living in sin; and that you will be a witness for Jesus.