But when the kindness of God our Savior and his love for mankind appeared, he saved us—not by works of righteousness that we had done, but according to his mercy—through the washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit. (Titus 3:4-5)
“His love for mankind.”
That phrase stuck out to me because in some English translations, it’s just translated “his love.”
But the Greek word there actually refers to a specific love for mankind and is where we get our word “philanthropy” from.
It also struck me because of other things Paul said in this chapter.
Remind them…to be ready for every good work. (Titus 3:1)
I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed God might be careful to devote themselves to good works. These are good and profitable for everyone. (8)
Let our people learn to devote themselves to good works for pressing needs, so that they will not be unfruitful. (14)
Why do we do these things? Because God first showed his love and kindness to us.
And so just as he loved us, not just in word but in deed, we are to love others by our deeds as well.
The question God was asking me this morning was, “Do you love the people around you as much as I do?”
Moment to Moment (Bible blog) 