Titus, Part TwoPrimjer

Relationships with other people

“Remind them … to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.” (Titus 3:2)

Paul has mentioned that we should respect leaders within the church and owe obedience to the government. Today he addresses our relationship with “all people”: we are not to be hostile in words or behavior. Instead, we should show understanding for others, giving them space and, if necessary, taking a step back ourselves to do so. In this way, we imitate Jesus, Who said of Himself, “I am gentle and lowly in heart” (Matthew 11:29). Paul does so himself, when he addresses his readers “by the meekness and gentleness of Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:1). And we are all called to this as well: “Let your gentleness be known to everyone” (Philippians 4:5).

Both Philippians 4 and Titus 3 explicitly mention “all people.” This does not just refer to our friends, fellow believers, or people who are sympathetic to us. Our kind and gentle attitude should apply to everyone. In the following verses, Paul will give a good reason for this: we are no better in ourselves than any other. Only by grace are we changed. And therefore, there is no ground to elevate ourselves above others.

Think of a concrete example of how you can be gentle toward others…