Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.
Titus 3:1-2
There are seven commands Paul instructs Titus to remind the church to put into practice in relation to the church's outward testimony to those outside the faith. This is the way Christianity should look to those who investigate it. The Church should relate to society with these distinct, winsome actions.
The church is submissive to the rule of human government. Christians generally obey the law of the land when those laws are not in conflict with God's Law. We do not defy authority, but affirm it within God's design for society. We are not outlaws. We are obedient to the rule of law in a civil society.
This keeps us ready to do what is good. We love and help our neighbors. We assist in making the world a better place. We help feed the hungry, clothe the needy, shelter the homeless, and heal and care for the sick and dying. The church can lead the way and really should lead the way in these good works, so that those outside the faith may partner with us and learn and obey the gospel.
We are careful in our words. Christians should be known for complimenting and encouraging people in right ways, not tearing them down. We should not be verbal warriors skilled with weapons of words. We should never be known as quarrelsome, argumentative, contentious fighters.
Finally, the world should know the gentle love of Christ in His church. We should be tender-hearted, caring, loving with the heart of Jesus as we courteously and truly care for our neighbors and the needy. In this way the outward observation of the Church matches the inward change of the gospel as we become more like Christ, our Master and Lord. And in this way Jesus is seen to those who are looking for Him.
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