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Titus 3:4-5

提多书 3:4-5

The Passage

But when the kindness of God our Savior and his love toward mankind appeared, not by works of righteousness, which we did ourselves, but according to his mercy, he saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit,

In the other language

但到了神―我们救主的恩慈和他向人所施的慈爱显明的时候，他便救了我们；并不是因我们自己所行的义，乃是照他的怜悯，藉着重生的洗和圣灵的更新。

Theme

His kindness appeared

Bring a question to this passage

Many readers arrive here from a real question. These are reflections for how this passage speaks to the questions people bring most often — not an answer about what will happen, but an invitation to sit with it slowly.

How do I face this season of pressure at work?

Kindness comes before achievement in this passage. It does not address workplace demands directly, but it speaks clearly about salvation: not something earned by righteous works, but received according to mercy. When work becomes a daily test of whether you are enough, that distinction matters. Your responsibilities remain real, yet they need not become a way of earning God’s kindness. The washing and renewing described here belong to the language of mercy, not performance. You can acknowledge unfinished tasks and imperfect efforts without turning them into a verdict on your standing before God. This passage does not address workplace demands directly. Who are you trying to prove yourself to at work, and what might God's unearned kindness mean for you amid unfinished tasks?

Carry thisGod’s mercy is not a reward for your performance.

Other passages for this questionGenesis 1:26-28 · Isaiah 41:10 · 1 Corinthians 7:3-4

I want to learn to love better in this relationship.

Before you consider how to love better, notice the kindness described here: God's mercy is not a reward for getting everything right. This passage does not give specific relationship advice, but it offers you a place to begin without making love another test you must pass. You can bring your impatience, your longing, and your mistakes into prayer, receiving mercy while asking the Holy Spirit to renew the way you listen, speak, and make room for the other person. Kindness comes without being earned here; how might receiving that mercy help you offer care in this relationship without keeping score?

Carry thisKindness is more than a reward for getting things right.

Other passages for this questionGenesis 1:26-28 · Isaiah 41:10 · 1 Corinthians 7:3-4

What do I need to let go of in the coming weeks?

Kindness and mercy stand at the center of this passage. Salvation is described not as the result of righteous works we have achieved, but as God’s merciful gift, with washing and renewal by the Holy Spirit. It does not give you a list of things to relinquish, but it does challenge the need to earn what is given in mercy. Perhaps you have been carrying the exhausting task of proving that you deserve love through usefulness, goodness, or flawless effort. This is not an invitation to stop caring about how you live. It is an invitation to reconsider the foundation beneath that care. This passage gives no list of things to relinquish. Which burdens of proving yourself might you hold differently as you receive God's kindness and mercy?

Carry thisMercy is not a reward for proving your worth.

Other passages for this questionGenesis 1:26-28 · Isaiah 41:10 · 1 Corinthians 7:3-4

How can I find stillness in a busy life?

Before this passage speaks of anything you have done, it speaks of God's kindness and love. It does not address time management directly; it places salvation in mercy rather than in works of righteousness you have accomplished. That distinction matters when busyness becomes a way of proving your worth. You may finish one task only to feel that another must justify your place. These words invite you to sit with kindness that is not a reward for productivity. The renewing named here belongs to the Holy Spirit, not to your capacity to improve yourself through constant effort. This passage does not directly teach you how to find stillness. In what way might you rest in God's kindness without first finishing another task?

Carry thisGod's kindness is not a reward for my productivity.

Other passages for this questionGenesis 1:26-28 · Isaiah 41:10 · 1 Corinthians 7:3-4

Have a different question?

Write what you are actually carrying right now, and Lectio will answer it with this passage — Titus 3:4-5.

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Titus 3 — in context

1Remind them to be in subjection to rulers and to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work,

2to speak evil of no one, not to be contentious, to be gentle, showing all humility toward all men.

3For we were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.

4But when the kindness of God our Savior and his love toward mankind appeared,

5not by works of righteousness, which we did ourselves, but according to his mercy, he saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit,

6whom he poured out on us richly, through Jesus Christ our Savior;

7that, being justified by his grace, we might be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

8This saying is faithful, and concerning these things I desire that you affirm confidently, so that those who have believed God may be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men;

9but shun foolish questionings, genealogies, strife, and disputes about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.

10Avoid a factious man after a first and second warning;

11knowing that such a one is perverted, and sins, being self-condemned.

Related topics

Grace and Salvation

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