4 But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared,
Verses four to six show how non-believers break out of the cycle of false beliefs, out of slavery to sin. They can turn from their depravity to the Savior.
4 But when
Everything changed when the Cretan believers came to Christ. They had little to be proud of from their past. There was a seismic shift in conduct when they came to Christ.
the kindness and the love of God our Savior
Kindness, love, and mercy (3:5) are aspects of God’s grace.
“Kindness” is generosity toward others. It is benign in attitude toward people. God’s kindness draws people to Him. This kindness brought the epiphany of Christ to the world.
“Love” is reciprocal love. We get our English word “philanthropy” from the Greek, which incorporates two words: love and humanity. The idea is love for humanity. God loves the entire human race.
The word “Savior” shows God’s design to save or rescue man from the penalty of sin. His rescue plan came in the epic proportion of sending His Son to die on the cross.
toward man appeared,
God initiated His grace toward man by introducing Christ in the incarnation. His first appearance was special, an epiphany to the world.
PRINCIPLE:
God’s grace expresses itself in kindness for the entire human race.
APPLICATION:
God expressed His kindness by sending His only begotten Son to save the world by the cross. He could have judged humanity. He chose to put the judgment on Christ. He freely gave us salvation in Christ. His grace is unadulterated and free to anyone who will accept it.
Titus 2: 11 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men,
