S – ⁴ But when the kindness of God our Savior and his love for mankind appeared, ⁵ 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 CSB

O – Commentary:

But all of that changed when the kindness and love (philanthrōpia, lit., “love for man”) of God our Savior appeared. The contrast is startling. In verse 3 man is the actor, but in verses 4–7 man is merely the recipient, and God becomes the actor. What man could in no wise do for himself, God initiated for him. (On the reference to God as Savior, see comments on 1 Tim. 1:1.)

3:5. God in His grace saves those who believe, not because of any righteousness in them (cf. Rom. 3:21–24; Eph. 2:8–9; 2 Tim. 1:9), but because of His mercy. The three words, “kindness,” “love,” and “mercy” (Titus 3:4–5) all represent aspects of God’s grace. The dual means of grace through which He accomplished this salvation are (1) the rebirth spoken of as a washing from the filth of sin, and (2) the renewal by the Holy Spirit (cf. 2 Cor. 5:17). No mention is made here of the role of faith in the process because Paul’s entire focus was on what God has done, not on human response.

“Titus,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures

A – The focus is on what God did.  He initiated what man could not do for himself.  God’s grace is astounding and it came at a significant price.  We can never take for granted what Jesus did for us in coming to earth as totally God and yet a man.  That love led him to crucifixion on the cross and his resurrection.  A relationship with God takes faith but God demonstrated his love before we took the first step.

R – Heavenly Father, we worship and surrender to you.  Your love for us is amazing and humbling.  Help us demonstrate our love for you our character and our interactions with you and others.  You alone are worthy of our praise and honor.