In Titus 3:2 I read, “Believers shouldn’t curse anyone or be quarrelsome, but they should be gentle and show courtesy to everyone." (GW)
My gentleness is a witness to unbelievers. They’re watching me to see if I’m any different when I’m under stress. When I respond to pressure with gentleness, it’s an incredible testimony to the world.
The Bible says in Titus 3:2, “Believers shouldn’t curse anyone or be quarrelsome, but they should be gentle and show courtesy to everyone” (GW).
If I claim to be a follower of Jesus, I am not allowed to speak evil of anyone. I am not allowed to be quarrelsome. Instead, I must be gentle with and show courtesy to everyone. Does that mean even people of a different political party? Yes.
Others aren’t going to trust Jesus until they trust me. People usually don’t ask if the Bible is credible. They want to see that the life I live out according to it is credible. So, do I live with integrity? Am I gentle? Am I loving? Am I compassionate?
If others like what they see in me, they will listen to what I have to say.
Here’s the thing: If you obey Titus 3:2, I’ll be criticized by other Christians. They’re going to say I’m compromising.
Treating others with respect does not mean I have to compromise what I believe. I have friends who don’t agree with me and friends who don’t believe what I believe. Because there’s something more important to focus on: Do they know Jesus?
A great verse to live by is 1 Peter 3:15: “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect” (NIV).
In summary, as a believer, I shouldn’t curse anyone or be quarrelsome. I need to be gentle and show courtesy to everyone. My gentleness is a witness to unbelievers. They’re watching me to see if I’m any different when I’m under stress. When I respond to pressure with gentleness, it’s an incredible testimony. As a follower of Jesus, I am not allowed to speak evil of anyone. I am not allowed to be quarrelsome. Instead, I must be gentle with and show courtesy to everyone. Others aren’t going to trust Jesus until they trust me. People usually don’t ask if the Bible is credible. They want to see that the life I live out according to it is. So, do I live with integrity? Am I gentle? Am I loving? Am I compassionate? If others like what they see in me, they will listen to what I have to say. Treating others with respect does not mean I have to compromise what I believe. There’s something more important to focus on: Do they know Jesus? I should Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks about the reason for the hope that I have. When I do, do this with gentleness and respect.”
Humility in this life boils down to having an honest estimate of myself before God. I show pride when I inflate the value of my efforts or look down on others. True humility seeks to view my character and accomplishments honestly.
Father, thank you for Your Word and Jesus as my savior and example. You want me and I need you in my life. Please give me Your strength for today and remind me in little ways that I can always believe in, have faith in and can trust you in everything. This includes being the authority for my life, the source of my self-worth and my hope for the future. You have my best interests in mind. So I ask you to help me to embrace the way you’ve made me; my gifting and passions. Help me to serve and fulfill the mission you have in mind for me.
Today, I ask you for wisdom and guidance for my day, my work, my leadership, my interactions with others, and doing well and making a difference in my new job. I pray all these things through you Son Jesus’ name, Amen.
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