Not by works
“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost.”Titus 3:5
Reflection
One of the hardest ideas for the human heart to accept is grace. We are born with a mentality of deserving: we receive what we earn, we pay for what we want, we win what we conquer. When the Gospel arrives, it contradicts this instinct head on: "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us." Paul, writing to Titus, sets aside any doubt: salvation is not a prize for the good, it is a rescue for the needy.
Note the expression "works of righteousness which we have done". Paul speaks of good things, of works that could be considered righteous. And even so, they are not the cause of salvation. It is not that good works are bad; they simply do not have the power to reconcile us to God. What saved us was "his mercy", that is, His compassion. The motivation comes from Him, not from us. That means no one can boast, and no one can feel excluded: salvation depends entirely on God's goodness, and it is available to all.
The text also explains how this happens: "by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost". The image is of washing and renewal: God does not only declare that we are forgiven, He also cleanses and renews us inside. A new birth means a real fresh start. Salvation is not only a "free pass" for the future, but a new life in the present, generated by the Spirit. And this, in turn, produces good works (Paul continues in verse 8 saying that those who believe should be careful to maintain good works). Works are not the root, they are the fruit.
If you are tired of trying to deserve God's love, this verse is for you. Stop counting points. Rest in the mercy that has already saved you. And, from that security, serve with joy and not out of fear, help others out of gratitude and not to pay a debt. The difference is enormous: whoever serves to deserve lives exhausted; whoever serves because they have already been loved lives free. You do not have to prove anything. Mercy has already spoken for you.
Prayer
Lord, thank You that You saved me not by my works, but by Your mercy. Free me from the attempt to deserve Your love. Renew me by Your Spirit and make me live, with gratitude, the good works You prepared for me. May I rest in Your grace. Amen.
Put it into practice
Today, instead of trying to "earn points" with God, give thanks for the grace that has already saved you. Then do one good work motivated only by gratitude, without expecting return or scolding yourself for it.
To reflect on
Have you been trying to deserve God's love with effort, or do you live and serve from the security of having already been saved by His mercy?
Bible text: King James Version (public domain).