Titus 1:1-3
1 This letter is from Paul, a slave of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ. I have been sent to bring faith to those God has chosen and to teach them to know the truth that shows them how to live godly lives. 2 This truth gives them the confidence of eternal life, which God promised them before the world began, and he cannot lie. 3 And now at the right time he has revealed this Good News, and we announce it to everyone. It is by the command of God our Savior that I have been trusted to do this work for him.
Holy Bible, New Living Translation, (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.) 1996.

Our eternal status is determined by our faith in God’s work done on our behalf, not our work done on God’s behalf. It is the knowledge of this truth that leads to godliness, not our own efforts to be like Christ. It is our relationship with God that leads to righteous action. Christ is not waiting to love us until we straighten out our lives, He loves us just as we are now! He extends His mercy to us covering our sin and giving us Christ’s righteousness before we have become righteous. This is not a license to sin, but freedom not to. Faith in what God’s mercy alone can accomplish will propel you to a deeper love for God. And it is the power of this love that enables you to live as Christ did. You are as righteous as Jesus Christ. You may not feel it, you may not think it, but God’s Word says it and your belief in His Word makes it real in your heart and life. Understanding divine mercy makes us genuine believers. This mercy stimulates a compelling love for God. And this love for Him is the source of our willingness and power to live for Him. Even this love is not of ourselves but a gift from God. When we act in faith of His love for us, the Holy Spirit is released to work in and through our lives. Accept His mercy and know His love, then believe you have the righteousness of Christ and see what a difference it will make in your actions.

Have a God Day!