Titus 3:3
“For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →Paul reminds believers that they too were once foolish, disobedient, and enslaved to sin, living in malice and mutual hatred.
What Does Titus 3:3 Mean?
Paul gives the reason for such gentleness toward all: we were once no different. He paints an honest picture of the believer's former life, foolish, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various passions, and living in malice, envy, and mutual hatred. Before grace found us, this was our condition.
Remembering what we were keeps us humble toward those who are still there. We have no ground for contempt, only gratitude, for we were rescued from the same bondage. This memory fuels the kindness Paul just commanded. For the reader, this is a powerful check on pride. When we are tempted to look down on the foolish or the hostile, we recall that grace alone made the difference in us. The same Saviour who changed us can change them, and that hope shapes how we regard everyone we meet.