Text: Titus 3:12-15
We call it “tough love”—those times we say hard things to people we care about because we care too much not to say them.
Sometimes it looks like correcting a child, teaching him behaviors that may not be fun now but will benefit him as he grows.
Sometimes it looks like telling the truth to a friend, giving voice to the concerns that have been building up in our heart.
Sometimes it looks like giving instructions that we know won’t be easy or fun to carry out, but are necessary and good just the same.
In Day 1 we called this book “Titus’s Big To-Do List”, and in a sense that is exactly what it is. Paul is quite specific about what Titus is to accomplish in Crete, and he is adamant about the way leaders in the Church should behave. All of this is necessary and good. But we must not forget that underlying all the to-do’s is a foundation of love—love for the gospel, the Church, and the Lord.
When it comes down to it, this book is about caring for one another, building each other up in the name of Jesus. The book of Titus a love letter to the Church, from the Church.
Look out for each other, Paul says (I’m paraphrasing here).
Don’t pay attention to the troublemakers.
Stay focused on the Good Work.
Choose leaders wisely; they must be trustworthy and set a good example.
Choose your words carefully, too, in teaching and conversation.
Remember in Whom your hope lies.
You are heirs to an eternal inheritance; act like it.
Be honorable and have integrity.
Seek to unify, not divide.
Meet each other’s needs.
Give each other grace.
Do all these things in Jesus’ name.
Doesn’t this sound like the advice of someone who cares deeply about his brothers and sisters?
When I read these last few verses in Titus—the way Paul so specifically and earnestly asks him to care for the others—I picture a medic tent in a warzone.
Every moment counts; there is no time to waste.
Every person counts; we are all family here.
The church is a recovery ward, and we all need healing.
Sisters, Paul’s words are not just for Titus. His words are for us.
Grace over all, he says at the end his letter. Grace, grace, grace.
Life giving words. Flows from identity in life giving God!
YES! I need to have an important conversation with a friend, and yet find myself wavering in courage to bring it up. But, as the first paragraph of the devotional today says, I care too much about them not to say it. Thanks for the admonishment, SRT!
Hi, Montana! Thanks so much for joining us today. Praying for you and your conversation with your friend!
xoxo-Kaitlin for She Reads Truth
Amanda- well said, truly what we need the church to be. It reminds me of the great words of a godly man named Francis who said “The church is a field hospital after a battle.” He also happens to be the leader of the Roman Catholic world!
I love this, "But we must not forget that underlying all the to-do’s is a foundation of love—love for the gospel, the Church, and the Lord." How often I forget this exact thing! Rules can be broken "just this one time." But acting in love, that's completely different. I must consider if I am "breaking a rule" out of simple disobedience or as an act of love. All things are lawful for me, but not all things are expedient. Will this act draw someone closer to the Lord or push them away? Who is benefiting from my actions?
This is just what I needed tonight. I know the power of love that when you love a person you want the best for them and your relationship with them. It’s hard to realize that the hurt or sting that might come from sharing the truth in love is worth it because then healing and change can happen. Without pain, brokenness, or confrontation change can’t be healing. These things need to happen for real change to take place and growth to happen. Just like a forest after a forest fire.
Yes, grace, grace, grace. I really needed to hear this because I have to be honest, as gracious as God is toward me, at times I'm not as gracious to others. This was definitely a mirror that showed me myself and posed the question, "Are you showing grace to others Kia?" Thank you so much for this. I LOVE this community and all my sisters that are apart of it!
I loved this little chapter so much, THANK YOU SRT!!! I thought Nehemiah was so good but you gave me just what I needed after that great read too. I CAN'T WAIT TO DO RUTH!!!