“Show yourself in all respects a model of good deeds, and in your teaching show integrity, gravity, and sound speech that cannot be censured, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say of us.” –Titus 2:7-8
It is often said, “The Lord helps those who help themselves.” This popular phrase in our culture represents our acknowledgment that God is at work in the world while promoting individual responsibility and self-reliance. This common phrase does contain a nugget of truth. However, it is not found in the Bible. The Lord helps all. God’s grace and mercy are available to all people. That is why the Apostle Paul writes in the book of Titus, “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all.” (Titus 6:2)
God has given each of us “help” in more ways than we can possibly count. His amazing grace has given us the opportunity for life eternal and life to be lived to the fullest here on earth. It is not our hard work that somehow provokes God to love. “God is love.” (1 John 4:8) God provides for us, cares for us, and offers us His grace and mercy because of who God is, not our hard work.
Knowing that God gives freely to all does not dismiss us from work. On the contrary, when we realize how much God loves us, our eyes are opened, and our gratitude grows for all God has done for us. We are then compelled to work, offering our best because God has offered us His very best.
I hope today you will find rest and peace in the knowledge that God is love and God freely offers this love to all. It is not our actions that compel God to act. God has already acted and will do so again, all because of His great love for us.
Rev. Keith King, Pastor of Worship
