For we, too, were once foolish,
disobedient, deceived, enslaved
to various lusts and pleasures,
spending our life in malice and envy,
hated by others,
and hating one another.
But when the kindness of
God our Savior
and His love for mankind appeared,
He saved us,
not on the basis of deeds which we did in righteousness,
but according to His own mercy,
by the washing of rebirth
and renewal by the Holy Spirit,
whom He poured out on us abundantly (richly)
through Jesus Christ our Savior,
so that being justified by His grace
we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
This statement is trustworthy
and these things I want you to affirm constantly,
that those who have believed God
will be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good.
These things are excellent and beneficial for people.
But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies,
dissensions, and quarrels about the law,
for they are useless and worthless.
Reject a person who stirs up division,
after the first and second admonition,
knowing that such a person has deviated from what is right
and is sinning, being self-condemned.
Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good,
so as to help cases of urgent need, and not be unfruitful.
Grace be with you all.
~ from Titus 3