Not that we are better. But Paul now reminds Titus of how they used to be before their salvation.
“At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another.” (Titus 3 v 3)
It’s quite a picture and Paul doesn’t hold back.
Read the list gin slowly.
So this is why we should show compassion to everyone. It is because we are no better and we know better. For we too were as guilty as what annoys us in other people.
We feel that sinful nature in us even now.
I’ve witnessed in my life many times people being unkind to others because they feel justified in being so. They are upset because they see a lack of spiritual understanding; they seem rebellion against the church and God; they see people with no self-awareness; they see all kinds of addictions and behaviours; malice, envy and hate. They are upset and they let their world know. In all of that context I wait for gratitude. I wait for some humility. I wait for kindness. I wait.
We need reminding.
We forget.
Something happened to us that changed us.
We know better.
For when we point our fingers at someone we are pointing at the person we used to be.
Missions Paul 