“For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who 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.” (Titus 2:11-14 NIV)
When I read this passage, I am reminded of when Jesus spoke to the woman caught in adultery (John 8:1-11) and to the woman at the well (John 4:1-30). Both women experienced condemnation, likely for much of their adult lives. The former was obviously set up by the religious leaders because her lifestyle made her an easy target. The latter appeared at Jacob’s well at an odd hour most likely because the women of her village despised her promiscuous life and shunned her.
These women were shown no mercy and their lives revealed as much. Sin upon sin had piled up and the sense of resignation had long been in place. They were sinners without hope. Like wheels spinning in the mud, they just kept sinking deeper into their sin.
At first glance, it seems odd that grace can teach us to say “no” to sin. One would think, rather, it would be the severe consequences. Isn’t that what we’ve been taught? You avoid doing wrong because you don’t want to get into trouble. We put people in prison to teach them a lesson, to encourage them to say “no” the next time. Yet, while it does work sometimes, the recidivism rate of former convicts is consistently high.
What is at work, I think, is when the sins pile up and there is no hope, people stop trying to be better. They just accept the labels put upon them and continue to live down to them. Yet, when grace is shown—forgiveness is given—a light pierces the darkness and with it comes hope. That hope can break the endless cycle and what can emerge is a new life, unshackled by the burden of a pile of sin.
Thus, grace can teach us to say “no” to sin because with it comes the strength of hope. The adulterous woman was freed from the burdens of her past, as, too, was the woman who had five failed marriages and was living with another man. The Lord’s grace had set them free!
If sin is piling up in your life and the guilt from it is overwhelming you, know the Lord’s grace is available to you. He does not condemn; rather He forgives if we humble ourselves before Him.
Today, let His grace remove the sin that is weighing so heavy upon you. It can give you a fresh start and give you the strength to say “no” to that which has been ruling your life.
© Jim Musser 2014
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