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mercy triumphs over stupidity

Titus 3:1-11 (JDV)

Titus 3:1 Keep reminding them to be submissive to their priorities and authorities, to obey them, to be ready to do every good achievement,
Titus 3:2 to insult no one, to be a non-combatant, to be gentle, and to demonstrate consideration of all humans.
Titus 3:3 Because we ourselves were once stupid, disobedient, led astray, slaves to our lusts and various pleasures, spending our lives by being mean and envious, hateful, hating one another.
Titus 3:4 But when the goodness and loving kindness appeared from our Savior God,
Titus 3:5 it appeared, not because of achievements done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Sacred Breath,
Titus 3:6 whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior,
Titus 3:7 so that having been declared not guilty by his favor we might become heirs, confident of inheriting permanent life.
Titus 3:8 The word is trustworthy, and I intend for you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good achievements. These things are good and profitable for humans.
Titus 3:9 But avoid stupid controversies, genealogies, arguments, and fights about the law because they are unprofitable and useless.
Titus 3:10 As for a human who causes division, after warning him once and twice, refuse to participate with him,
Titus 3:11 since we know that such a person has been warped and is being sinful; he is self-condemned.

mercy triumphs over stupidity

Harvey summarizes the argument of Paul here: “If God showed such kindness and love to men as he has manifested in saving us, we also ought to show kindness and love to all men” (142). God’s mercy reached out to us, removing our spiritual stupidity. Now it is our turn to treat others with the same mercy.

Harvey, H. Commentary on the Pastoral Epistles, First and Second Timothy and Titus, and the Epistle to Philemon. Philadelphia: American Baptist Publication Society, 1890.