³ At one time we too acted like fools. We didn’t obey God. We were tricked. We were controlled by all kinds of desires and pleasures. We were full of evil. We wanted what belongs to others. People hated us, and we hated one another. ⁴ But the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared. ⁵ He saved us. It wasn’t because of the good things we had done. It was because of his mercy. He saved us by washing away our sins. We were born again. The Holy Spirit gave us new life. ⁶ God poured out the Spirit on us freely. That’s because of what Jesus Christ our Savior has done. ⁷ His grace made us right with God. So now we have received the hope of eternal life as God’s children. ⁸ You can trust this saying. These things are important. Treat them that way. Then those who trust in God will be careful to commit themselves to doing good. These things are excellent. They are for the good of everyone.