Once we, too, were foolish and disobedient. We were misled and became slaves to many lusts and pleasures.  Our lives were full of evil and envy, and we hated each other.  But – When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.  He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit.   Titus 3:3-5 NLT

Sin, what a sad state of affairs.  Think how it has controlled our life from the beginning.  Before we could hardly speak, somehow we knew how to through fits, which was to get our own way no matter who our parents were.  Once we, too, were foolish and disobedient.  We were misled and became slaves to many lusts and pleasures.  We were not taught how to be selfish or to envy or to lust.  It just came naturally as we matured through life.  Our lives were full of evil and envy, and we hated each other.  It was while we were in this condition that God offered his grace, which is his kindness and love.  When a man or woman receives the grace of God a new nature is given which is meant to change the direction of life now and forever.  He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit.  Today, may you know for sure that you have received his kindness and love in and through Jesus the Christ.  You will know because of the joy that is yours - He washed away your sins, giving you a new birth and a new life through the Holy Spirit.  This should naturally bring about praise and thanksgiving from the depth of your soul to the glory of God.  Enjoy!