As Paul closes out this letter to Titus, he leaves instructions about the behavior of believers outside the walls of the church. It was extremely important that the church conducted themselves with integrity and love while interacting with those who were outside the church. The actions of Christians would directly affect the way the lost would think about Jesus Christ. If there was no distinction in their conduct, why would non-believers want to become believers? Paul had already challenged the followers of Christ to submit themselves to government authority (3:1) and he continues his instructions by commanding them to “speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men” (3:2). Then Paul reminds them of their past so that pride would not enter into their relationships with others: “For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another” (3:3). I guess we all need this reminder in case we think highly of ourselves when it comes to relationships. So what now makes the difference in the lives of these Cretan believers? Paul writes that only through “the kindness and the love of God our Savior” we have experienced mercy and forgiveness (3:4). The implication is clear – we have accepted God’s forgiveness and we must extend patience and forgiveness to those who treat us wrong. Paul gives them bottom line of what he is trying to say by writing “those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men” (3:8). Those who all called Christians should be characterized by doing good to all people. Before giving his final farewell and instructions with this letter (3:12-15), Paul writes that the Cretan Christians should “avoid foolish disputes [arguing for the sake of arguing], genealogies, contentions, strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and useless. Reject a divisive man after the first and second admonition, knowing that such a person is warped and sinning, being self-condemned” (3:9-11). Paul has written many things in these last verses of Titus, but we must heed his words for they will bring effectiveness to the church in reaching out to a lost world who needs to hear the saving message of Jesus Christ.
Dear God, fill me with good works so that others will see You living through me!
