“This is a trustworthy saying, and I want you to insist on these teachings so that all who trust in God will devote themselves to doing good. These teachings are good and beneficial for everyone.” Titus 3:8 (NLT)
Yesterday, we shared some of the good and beneficial teachings that Apostle Paul said have to be insisted on. We read on being submitted to authority and how to reflect Christ in our civic and social responsibilities. Let’s continue with the next.
2. Godly conduct towards all people (v2)
Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men. ~ Titus 3:1-2
- Believers must guard their speech, avoid slander, stop unnecessary arguments, and practice gentleness and courtesy toward everyone, believers and unbelievers alike.
- Such reflects the character of Christ who was “gentle and lowly in heart” (Matthew 11:29), positions the Christian as a peacemaker (Matthew 5:9) and to let our speech always be “gracious” (Colossians 4:6).
It is worth noting that your speech can heal or injure, courtesy can open doors for evangelism, and gentleness can defuse conflict. Often, your life is the Bible someone reads before they ever open Scripture.
How can you practice gentleness with difficult people?
Gentleness is the fruit of the Spirit in action (Galatians 5:22–23). It is not weakness, but Spirit-empowered strength under control.
- Pause before responding: A gentle tongue turns away wrath (Proverbs 15:1).
- Pray for the person immediately: Prayer (even in silence) cultivates or shifts your heart (Matthew 5:44).
- Remember Christ’s example: He was gentle even with those who opposed Him (Matthew 11:29; 1 Peter 2:23).
But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you ~ Matthew 5:44
- See people through God’s eyes: Difficult behavior often comes from hidden wounds and you must respond with love (Ephesians 4:2).
- Practice “grace-filled speech”: Let your words be seasoned with grace (Colossians 4:6).
- Walk in the Spirit: Only the Holy Spirit helps us respond with gentleness instead of irritation (Galatians 5:16).
Gentleness is not natural; it is supernatural. We depend on the Holy Spirit to demonstrate Christ-like meekness.
3. Rely and live by God’s grace (Titus 3:4-7)
We are saved by grace through faith, not by works (Eph 2:8). After receiving salvation, walking worthy of the Lord is also a walk of grace because we can’t be saved by grace and walk the Christian faith by works.
- This was Paul’s concern with the Galatians; they started in the Spirit (grace) but attempted to continue in the flesh (works) (Gal 3:1-3).
- We must rely on the finished works of Christ to live the life He has called us to live.
Indeed, the grace of God is not a concept, but God’s power working in us (1 Cor 15:10, Gal 2:21). This means we must depend daily on the finished work of Christ, trusting the Holy Spirit to empower godly living. The Christian life is not lived by trying harder but by yielding deeper.
“But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me” ~ 1 Cor 15:10
How can we live by grace daily?
- Begin each day with surrendering to the Lord: “Lord, I rely on Your grace today, not my ability.” (Proverbs 3:5–6)
- Draw strength through prayer and the Word: Grace multiplies through the knowledge of God (2 Peter 1:2, Isaiah 40:28-31)
- Refuse self-condemnation: When you fail, run back to God and receive His grace and mercy, don’t drown in guilt and condemnation (Hebrews 4:15-16; Romans 8:1)
- Acknowledge God’s work in your life: Like Paul, say, “By the grace of God I am what I am” (1 Corinthians 15:10)
- Extend grace to others: The grace that saved you is the grace that must flow through you (Colossians 3:13).
Conclusion
The teachings Paul urged Titus to insist on are not merely doctrinal points, they are life-shaping truths designed to produce believers whose character reflects Christ.
- When believers live in submission to authority, practice godly conduct toward all, and rely fully on the grace of God, they become a living testimony of the gospel’s transforming power.
- These teachings are indeed “good and beneficial for everyone” (Titus 3:8), because they cultivate maturity, unity, and fruitfulness among God’s people.
In a world where false teachings, hostility, disorder, and self-centered living are common, the Christian who embraces these Christ-centered teachings stands out as light in darkness (Matthew 5:14–16).
- The grace that saved us also empowers us to do good works, not to earn salvation, but to express it (Ephesians 2:10).
- As we allow these truths to govern our speech, actions, and attitudes, we partner with the Holy Spirit in shaping lives, strengthening the church, and glorifying Christ.
- May we devote ourselves wholeheartedly to what is good, relying not on our strength but on God’s abundant grace.
- And as we do, may our lives continually reflect Jesus in such a way that others are drawn to Him through us. ~ Minister James Deke
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