Devotion:
For an audio version of this devotion, click here.
Read Titus 2:11-14.
In the theology that John Wesley taught his people and pastors, he emphasized an understanding of grace as being God’s activity and guidance in our life that is available to us throughout our life. Prevenient grace is God at work in our life before we even know our need for God. (Think about family, teachers and pastors who taught you about God.) Justifying grace is that free gift of God’s forgiveness and reconciling love that puts us in a right relationship with God. Sanctifying grace is the continuing guidance the Spirit gives us in how to live as God’s people, moving constantly toward “perfection in love.”
This passage from the letter of Titus speaks to me of this sanctifying grace. As we are open to the leading of God’s Spirit, we can be sure that we are being guided and challenged to grow and mature in the way Jesus taught us to live and relate to people. Verse 14 puts it well: “Jesus Christ…. gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.” May we all do our part to learn to be his people.
Personal Worship Option:
Here is the last verse of a Charles Wesley (John’s brother) prayer hymn titled “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling.”
Finish, then, thy new creation; pure and spotless let us be. Let us see thy great salvation perfectly restored in thee; changed from glory into glory, till in heaven we take our place, till we cast our crowns before thee, lost in wonder, love and praise.
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