I.
I have a question: What are folk like before “ … he saved us …” and afterwards?

We find here some observations of what one can be like on both sides of the experience of “… rebirth and renewal…”

What do you notice?

II.
Titus 3:3-11 (NRSVue)

For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, despicable, hating one another. But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of any works of righteousness that we had done, but according to his mercy, through the water of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit. This Spirit he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. The saying is sure.

I desire that you insist on these things, so that those who have come to believe in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works; these things are excellent and profitable to everyone. But avoid stupid controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. After a first and second admonition, have nothing more to do with anyone who causes divisions, since you know that such a person is perverted and sinful, being self-condemned.

III.
“For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient …”

Not a pretty picture of what one can be before the experience of “… rebirth and renewal …”

But if we want to think all is fine after that experience, we soon notice that one can fall into some poor behaviors – “stupid controversies … dissensions, and quarrels…”

Why do you think this can happen?

Do you have thoughts on what can prevent such attitudes and behaviors?

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}