AUGUST 9 - Surprise Generosity
3-Year-Bible Reading: Proverbs 21:14; Titus 1–3
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“A gift in secret averts anger, and a concealed bribe, strong wrath.” —Proverbs 21:14
“To the pure, all things are pure, but to the defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure; but both their minds and their consciences are defiled.” —Titus 1:15
“But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy…” —Titus 3:4–5
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Let’s be real—when someone wrongs you, your first instinct usually isn’t to hand them a surprise gift. But Proverbs 21:14 drops a truth bomb: quietly giving can dissolve tension and even stop anger in its tracks. Pair that with Titus 1–3, where Paul reminds us that we’re saved not because we’ve got it all together, but because of God’s mercy.
These verses together paint a picture of grace in action—unexpected kindness that changes hearts. Just like God gave us mercy we didn’t earn, we can reflect that by offering kindness even when it’s hard. And sometimes, that kind of love shocks people—in the best way possible.
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THINK ABOUT IT
1. Kindness as a Strategy: Have you ever tried being kind to someone who annoyed or hurt you? What happened? How might a “gift in secret” change the tone of your relationships?
2. God’s Mercy Over Our Resume: Titus 3:5 makes it clear—God didn’t save us because of our good deeds. How does that challenge the way we treat people who “don’t deserve” kindness?
3. What’s in Your Heart? Titus 1:15 reminds us that purity starts on the inside. Are your actions a reflection of a heart that’s been shaped by God's love and mercy?
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BOTTOM LINE
God’s grace is undeserved and unexpected—and we’re called to reflect that same mercy in how we treat others, even when it’s hard. Sometimes, the most powerful move is a quiet act of kindness that shows people a glimpse of God's love.
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PRAYER
Heavenly Father, thank You for showing me what real love and mercy look like. Help me to reflect Your grace in the way I treat others, especially when it’s tough. Teach me to love not just with words but with actions, and to live from a heart changed by You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
