Moses has done likewise in, where he says of God: “At his right hand was a fiery law for them. 6 It is an attitude of love for mankind the apostle here attributes to our God. David ( ) refers to “the love of women.” But naturalists term certain animals-the dog, the horse, the dolphin-philanthropic or humane, because they have a natural love and fondness for man they adapt themselves to his service as if endowed with reason enabling them to understand him. 5 The second Word is, in Greek, “Philanthropia” (Philanthropy)-love of mankind. And we read in : “They looked unto him, and were radiant and their faces shall never be confounded.” That is, God will not permit us to ask in vain, or to come unto him and go away empty and ashamed. All men may confidently draw near to the throne of his mercy, as it is written in. The Gospel proclaims naught but grace, whereby God sustains us and through which he kindly leads us, regardless of our worthiness. 4 God, too, shows himself to us through the Gospel as wholly lovable and kind, receiving all, rejecting none, ignoring our shortcomings and repelling no soul by severity. He resembles Christ, whom the Gospel portrays as always friendly to everyone, repelling none but gracious unto all. All men can approach him and deal with him.

He is not inclined to neglect any nor to repel with harshness. Such a one is capable of bearing with all men. Paul does not employ here the little word “grace”, used there, but he described the God of grace with two other pleasing words-“kindness” and “love.” The first is, in Greek, “Chrestotes” (friendliness), implying that friendly, lovable demeanor which makes the individual attractive and gives his society a gracious influence moving everyone within its circle to love and affection. Though in that case it refers to the birth of Christ, little depends on the circumstance so far as the meaning of the word is concerned. 3 The word “appeared,” implying the revelation of the Gospel, or Christ's appearance to the whole world, is sufficiently defined in the preceding epistle lesson. Though our neighbors may be blind, erring and wicked, yet we should be charitable in our judgment and cheerfully endeavor to please them, remembering God's similar attitude toward us when we were as they. He would have us obedient to magistrates and kind to neighbors. For we also once were foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another.” Note that Paul here indicates the relation we sustain to God and man. “Put them in mind to be in subjection to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready unto every good work, to speak evil of no man, not to be contentious, to be gentle, showing all meekness toward all men. In the verses immediately preceding, Paul says to Titus, his disciple: V.1-3. 2 It is necessary to a ready understanding of this epistle that we know the occasion of these words. The substance of the text is: Why should we be unwilling to do for others what has been done for us by God, of whose blessings we are far less worthy than anyone can be of our help? Since God has been friendly and kindly disposed toward us in bestowing upon us his loving kindness, let us conduct ourselves similarly toward our neighbors, even if they are unworthy, for we too are unworthy. Tit 3:5 | Luther | STEP | 1 This epistle selection inculcates the same principle taught in the conclusion of the Gospel lesson pertaining to contentment, good will and love for our neighbor.

He will keep in perfect peace song