The Best "But"

Occasionally I'll come across a picture or a friend from my past, prior to me becoming a born again Christian. Today I have so much contentment with how much my life has changed and with the man I've become. One of the best passages of Scripture to describe who I once was, where I came from and who I am  today, is found in Titus 3:3-7. It describes the man I used to be in verse 3, "Once we, too, were foolish and disobedient. We were misled and became slaves to many lusts and pleasures. Our lives were full of evil and envy, and we hated each other." I was a foolish and disobedient slave, full of lusts, evil and envy that were my master. In verse 4 you'll see a commonly used word which totally turned the tables of my life's direction. That simple word is "but." This word bridges the gap, taking me from the place I was at to a whole new world. Verses 4-7 continually encourage me and lift me up by saying, "But—“When God our Savior revealed His kindness and love, He saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. Because of His grace he declared us righteous and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life.” Could it get any better? I was transformed from being a man bound and chained to a man of freedom, hope and eternal life. Will you receive the blessing and benefit of a "but"? I did and it was the best thing that ever happened to me :)