Read Through the Bible in a Year 2018 Day 349: On Our Best Behavior

Good morning, everyone!

Today I read Titus 1-3. I also read Philemon 1.

These are letters from Paul in prison to the people whose names are used as titles for the books.

In his letters to Titus, Paul discusses appropriate behavior for the leaders of the church.

From today's reading, I want to share this:

Titus 3:1-8 - Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed, to malign no one, to b peaceable, gentle, showing every consideration for all men. For we also once were foolish ourselves, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures, spending our life in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another. But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared. He saved us not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, b y the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. This is a trustworthy statement; and concerning these things I want you to speak confidently, so that those who have believed God will be careful to engage in good deeds. These things are good and profitable for men.

In this, Paul urges Titus to urge the church to treat others with consideration, for we were all once sinners. I don't know the full historical context, if this was just a general reminder, or if they were being disrespectful to those who weren't believers.

Either way, this is a good reminder for all of us. We know the salvation and love of God. If we behave otherwise, why would anyone who doesn't know God want what we have? We must always behave in a way that shows God's love and enduring mercy, so that we may lead by example.

This is difficult sometimes, and we might have a bad day or two, but overall, what people should see is Christ in us. Then, they can wonder how we can take the bad days with such grace, and when they ask, we can claim Christ as our only reason for such behavior.

I hope you'll join me tomorrow when I read Hebrews 1-6.