1 Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities,
to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, 2 to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.
Titus 3:1-2
“Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.” - Dalai Lama
For the Adults:
Last week we looked at verse 1 and today we will continue with verse 2. Paul continues the list of commands Titus is to "remind" believers of. Crete was famous for its immoral culture, but this letter encourages Christians to live according to better principles.
Verse 1 began with three commands and verse 2 adds 4 more. First, believers are not to gossip or tear others down with words. Reminds me of my youth ministry days and how we adopted the saying “429” from the Christian group, Building 429. If you would like to know more about this feel free to call me.
Second, Titus was to remind them to avoid quarreling and to "be peaceable," or "be kind." Arguments was a major reason for Paul's concern when it came to the churches on Crete. False teachers argued that Christians must be circumcised and keep the Mosaic Law. This problem was so serious that in verse 10, Paul teaches that a divisive person should be cut off after their second warning. There are times where to stand on your rights would cause such damage toward an unbeliever that he would never want to hear about our Savior.
Third, Christians were to be gentle and Paul uses the Greek word epieikeis, meaning "suitable" or "fair-minded." Believers were not to be violent, or hot-tempered, especially church leaders, and this is not the first time he mentions this in this short letter.
Finally, believers were to extend kindness both to believers and non-believers. Paul reminds us that we who have been saved by God’s grace should be gracious neighbors towards those who do not know Christ.
Shelter at home may have us a little irritable and maybe short fused. Let’s remember these behaviors and live them out during these trying times. Let’s learn to be kind to one another.
For the children:
How have you treated others who are different than you?
Who do you know doesn’t attend church you can invite to church?
Read and meditate:
1 Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities,
to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, 2 to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.
Titus 3:1-2
Pray:
Lord I know this pandemic has been hard on so many people, and I ask that you reveal someone to me, so that I can love them like Jesus. Help me to be obedient to your Holy Spirit and do something that can help them. And if I have mistreated someone, grant me an opportunity to see the flaws in my ways.
I pray these things in the name of Jesus Christ my Savior
Amen.
About the author:
Jose Aguilar Jr. is an Associate Pastor at FBC Weslaco and has served in this capacity for the last 11 years. He and his wife Blanca have served faithfully at FBC Weslaco since 2001. They are the proud grandparents of Lilyana Faythe and Trinidad Esperanza Aguilar.