Tuesday, October 22 - Titus 3

Titus 3

New International Version (NIV)

Saved in Order to Do Good

3 Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, ² to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.

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GENTLENESS

    Sometimes, it seems to me, disagreements have a tendency to lead people away from gentleness.  In our desire to "be right," to "prove our point," and to "get the upper hand" on those who disagree with us, we can sometimes resort to manipulation, gossip, and rudeness.

   Paul encourages Titus to remind the believers in Crete that they should avoid such games and approach one another with a mind toward peace and unity.   Gentleness should characterize their words and actions.

   This is, of course, a hard thing to do when we feel strongly about an issue.  Our sinful tendency is to push for our way and let our passions run their course as we plow through.

   Self-control, however, is the way of the Spirit;  and God desires His people to tame their tongue and to guard their actions.  Jesus Himself shows this attitude as He walks the road to the cross..  His desire to save us and to serve His Father trumps His own human desire to fight back and win the battle.  Instead, He wins the bigger war against Satan and his henchmen by being a servant unto death.

   It helps, I think, to try and see the bigger picture and to recognize that grudges, anger, and gossip are not tools to advance the Kingdom of God.

   May God bless you today with gentleness and patience as you serve Him in a sinful world.

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³ 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. ⁴ But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, ⁵ he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, ⁶ whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, ⁷ so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. ⁸ This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.
⁹ But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless. ¹⁰ Warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them. ¹¹ You may be sure that such people are warped and sinful; they are self-condemned.

Final Remarks

¹² As soon as I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, because I have decided to winter there. ¹³ Do everything you can to help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way and see that they have everything they need. ¹⁴ Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order to provide for urgent needs and not live unproductive lives.
¹⁵ Everyone with me sends you greetings. Greet those who love us in the faith.
Grace be with you all.