Who gave Himself on our behalf that He might redeem us (purchase our freedom) from all iniquity and purify for Himself a people [to be peculiarly His own, people who are] eager and enthusiastic about [living a life that is good and filled with] beneficial deeds. —Titus 2:14
In today’s verse Paul writes that Jesus gave His life so that we could be people who are “eager and enthusiastic about living a life that is good” and a life that is full of actions that benefit others.
We are not to spend our lives moping around, thinking about all our faults and failures so much that we lose our hope and zeal for living.
God is not honored when people have bad attitudes toward themselves; in fact, that is downright insulting to Him. If you loved and valued a group of people so much that you were willing to die for them so they could enjoy their lives, how would you feel if they refused your gift? God wants you to enjoy your life and enjoy yourself.
Paul knew he was not perfect, but he pressed on to lay hold of the quality of life Jesus wanted him to have. Paul knew that he did not deserve it, but for Jesus’ sake he was determined to have it. Likewise, we do not deserve “the good life,” but Jesus died to give it to us, so we honor Him when we receive it with eagerness and enthusiasm.
If you struggle with negative attitudes that hold you back from the good things of God in your life, I urge you to make a change today.
Love Yourself Today: Choose a new attitude toward yourself. Paul had to make that choice; I had to make it; and you have to make it, too, if you want to love yourself and glorify God with your life.
From the book Love Out Loud by Joyce Meyer. Copyright © 2011 by Joyce Meyer. Published by FaithWords. All rights reserved.
