“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. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.” Titus 3:3-8

Dear Jesus, Paul describes our lives before we are cleansed by your law and gospel; deceived, envious, hating and being hated. It sounds envious, hating and being hated. It sounds like our world but it also sounds like me when I honestly look into my heart. But I have experienced your cleansing of the guilt of this life. To come to faith and to live in the faith with your word touching my heart is a constant cleansing. You wash the deck of my heart daily. The picture you describe as a washing of rebirth helps make me feel clean inside, not because I haven’t produced any dirt but because you wash that dirt away by exposing it, sweeping it out and replacing it with love. No wonder the response you tell us that you are looking for is a life devoted to doing what is good and profitable to everyone. I want my life to be clean and useful for others. Free me from the filth of my own selfishness and help me rise up to change the world by actively loving others in your name and to your glory. Amen.

When God confronts our sin to relieve us of it, he has others in mind that he wants to bless through us too.