How is the condition of your heart today? I’m sure most of us that are listening to this are trying to be a God-glorifying Christian. You are trying to be a good person, a Good Neighbor. You are trying to be a loving wife or husband. You are trying. And I want to affirm you that God sees your heart.

Are you a disciple of grace? Titus 2 teaches our “Why” for being obedient to the Lord: it’s because the grace of God has appeared! As believers we are called to deny the world, live for Jesus, and look forward to his second coming.

Why is it so hard to believe what God says about us? We are image-bearers of the one true God. So, why can it be so challenging to walk in that truth? Here’s what you need to know: the enemy doesn’t want to see you flourish, so he attacks your self-worth. But we have to be intentional in our choosing.

If I’ve learned anything, it’s to stop looking at the different versions of myself in the past, thinking that they were failed attempts. I need to spend more time looking at the vine I’m connected to and seeing how those experiences are making me look more like the source.

I don’t know what you are up against: loss of a loved one, out of work, a broken relationship, a terminal illness, mental health issues, chronic pain, a broken marriage or family, or whatever it may be, but I do know this: In multiple places in the Bible (just to be sure we don’t miss it), God promises that He will never leave nor forsake us. He is always with us, even when we don’t feel His presence.

What exactly does living in unity look like? I have to ask, “Do I have the same mindset as Jesus?” “Mindset” means the way I think, the way I act. Am I humble? Do I serve people? Let’s work together in unity to stop grumbling and complaining and instead take steps to change our mindset. Let’s see one another through Jesus’ eyes!

Friends, I want to encourage us today by reminding us that the grass is never greener on the other side because God has called you and me to faithfulness. To faithfully grow the grass and root ourselves where we are today. It may not be the most highlight-worthy situation, but it will produce a deeper experience with Jesus and your community.

Paul’s words in Titus are a sobering reminder to reflect on our own behavior and beliefs. They are an urgent prompting to call out those we have relationships with that claim to know Christ but are living in rebellion against God. Take some time to repent. Invite the Spirit to pour His grace over you. And maybe spend some time praying for fellow believers that are wandering.

God created us to serve. In fact, when we help others, our brains release oxytocin, serotonin, and dopamine. These hormones have the effect of boosting our mood and counteracting the effect of cortisol, which is our stress hormone. That means our bodies can relieve stress by lending a hand to someone else. Today, I want you to find small opportunities to put someone first or lend a helping hand.

Jesus knows that we cannot love others unless we love ourselves. Jesus knows that the care we take of ourselves… the compassion we show to ourselves… will be the compassion we show to others. Let the face you turn to yourself be the face you turn to those in your world!