Before They Trust Jesus, People Need to Trust Me

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 all the time to see if I’m any different when I’m under stress. When I respond to pressure with gentleness, it will be an incredible testimony to those I interact with.

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).

As a follower of Jesus, I should never speak evil of anyone or be quarrelsome. Instead, I must be gentle with and show courtesy to everyone. That means people with different beliefs.

I may spend a lot of time speaking with people I totally disagree with. I cannot win enemies to Christ; but I can win friends.

People aren’t going to trust Jesus until they trust me. People want to see that I am credible. Do I live with integrity? Am I gentle? Am I loving? Am I compassionate?

If people like what they see in me, they will be more apt to listen to what I say.

Here’s the thing: If you obey Titus 3:2, I may be criticized by others. They may say that I’m compromising. 

Treating other people 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: That they know Jesus!

A great verse to keep in mind and 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).

This study today is a great reminder for me as I start out my Financial Coaching Practice. A lot of what I’ll need is honest relationships and respect for others. To be trusted, I’ll need to intentionally make friends from all walks of life so that I can coach, encourage and even talk to them about Jesus? Gentleness is a key quality to possess so that I can be encouraging. I’ll also need to be better “prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give a reason for the hope that you have” (1 Peter 3:15 NIV), as I talk to them and they are curious.