Washed and Renewed

Today, we are going to talk about how we were given a gift in our salvation. The gift of the Holy Spirit. Let’s first begin with some prayer.

God, thank You for today. Thank You for another day that I get to live out Your plan for my life. Thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit that walks alongside me. I wouldn’t be able to do this life without You, so thank You. Be with me today. Guide my thoughts and actions. In Your name I pray. Amen.

Titus 3:5 (NLT)
5 he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit.

Our culture is an action-based culture. Meaning that you can say something, but it doesn’t really matter until your actions back it up. You can say you love someone, but if you’re acting in a way that hurts that person, then your words don’t really mean anything. Similar to this, our culture thinks you earn your “spiritual advancement,” no matter what that looks like based on your religion, through your actions. They look to see if you treat people with respect, if you’re generous with your money, or if you listen well to others around you. If you check those boxes, then you’re a “good person,” and you’ll be repaid for that kindness.

Because this is the culture we live in, we oftentimes think we have to do the same when it comes to our faith. We think we can’t be saved unless we act a certain way. Have you ever thought this way in your faith journey?

The good news is that our faith is not based on our actions, but it is freely given to us by God. He is full of mercy and grace, and gives us a new life without looking at the things we’ve done. How incredible is that?!! We have been washed and renewed through His mercy, and now we can walk in relationship with Him. He wipes away our past and gives us an opportunity to start again. And we don’t have to do this alone! He gives us His Holy Spirit to dwell in us to help us along the way. What a beautiful thing to think about. That our God loves us enough to wipe away our past and provide us with a loving Helper.

Now spend some time in reflection over this truth.

Ask God to renew your heart and mind, and to give you His Helper.

Thank God for the grace and mercy He gives you, even when you don’t deserve it.

I pray you feel His renewing power today and the remainder of your week.