We were once slaves.

Titus 3:1  Remind the believers to submit to the government and its officers. They should be obedient, always ready to do what is good. 2  They must not slander anyone and must avoid quarreling. Instead, they should be gentle and show true humility to everyone. 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. 4  But—“When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, 5  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. (NLT2)