Titus 3:1-2, “Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authority, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.”
Paul instructs Titus to remind the people of what modeling gospel living should look like in their Crete community, which is similar to our culture today. Living out the gospel with sincerity, love, and integrity portrays what a Christian is, all the while continually looking for Christ’s return. Don’t we all need to be reminded of this fundamental principle? Obeying authority figures and being good citizens is only the beginning. A parallel verse to Titus 3:2 is Ephesians 4:31 which needs to be on my checklist at the beginning of each new day, as it says: “Get rid of all bitterness, rage, and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you.” It is a given that we will be challenged every day in these areas. I am challenged in these areas. New conflicts and unfulfilled expectations occur every day. Yet the way to live is to keep anticipating and looking for Christ’s return each day while being cordial, gentle, and showing grace as needed.
I need to pray every day for the salvation of people in government. I also need to pray that the Christians in government will exercise having a stronger voice and testimony.
Being gentle and showing humility were not virtues shown in the culture in Crete. Showing gentleness and patience, has kept coming up to me throughout this past year. The Holman Christian Standard Bible states Titus 3:2 this way, “To slander no one, to avoid fighting, and to be kind, always showing gentleness to all people.” As I read God’s Word, the word “gentle” and “showing gentleness” keeps cropping up again and again. The new LSB version states, “demonstrating gentleness to all.” Jesus stated of himself in Matthew 11:29 that He was “gentle and humble in heart.” This takes an enormous amount of patience. Am I gentle when I feel I am under attack, or my values ignored? Not always.
The Voice states Titus 3:1-2 this way, “And remind them of this: respect the rulers and the courts. Obey them. Be ready to do what is good and honorable. Don’t tear down another person with your words. Instead, keep the peace, and be considerate. Be truly humble toward everyone.” That is more of a challenge some days than others. But I can experience His grace every day and praise Him for the blessings He has provided me today and in the coming days ahead with Christ for all eternity.
Did you have a bad day today? Maybe your expectations were not met. Job, David, Joseph, and Moses had a few of those themselves. Did you walk with integrity? Then you had a great day! Jesus says in Matthew 11:28, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Remember Luke 12:37, “It will be good for those servants whose master finds them watching when he comes. Truly I tell you, he will dress himself to serve, will have them recline at the table and will come and wait on them.” When Christ returns, you will sit down at His table, and He will serve you. Until then, model gospel living, experience His forgiveness, love, and kindness, and live with the hope of Christ’s return at any time.
Listen to Casting Crowns Official Lyric Video The Power of the Cross.