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.
I have a hard time reading the Bible. Sometimes, I just don't understand in my heart and mind what God is saying. This is my first study with SRT community. I appreciate the paraphrasing, comments shared, and encouragement to try to understand all that God says. Grace is such an awesome gift and I really want to 'know it in my heart.' I look forward to studying with all of you. You are a blessing in my life. Thank you.
Adrienne, I will be praying for you, that the Lord would give you eyes to see His words to You, ears to hear them clearly, a mind to understand and comprehend what He is saying, and a soft heart full of obedience and submission to all it says. It can be difficult to read the word sometimes, but the Holy Spirit comes alongside us and helps us to "get it with our heart" as we grow in Him! Praying He'd give you wisdom, discernment, and much spiritual insight into His walk with You. May He bless you richly as you seek His face, and may He counsel you and make your heart come alive with His word! He knows your desire to fall in love with Him and His word, and I pray that you would! Love you, sister! Be so blessed!
"For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God…" (Colossians 1:9). Be blessed in your walk, sister. Love you.
Last night I spoke with someone incredibly close to me about the importance of offering grace. The last 2 1/2 years of my life God has been relentless in reminding me not only how important Grace is, but how *I* need to accept it. Compassion and giving grace to others was not an area I lacked. I was so busy showering others that I denied myself completely. Which only complicated my heart in relationships! I am so thankful that God has chased me and lavished ME with His grace. This awareness and love only makes me want to lavish it on others as well. Titus further reminds me of the woman for God I want to be, am designed to be and hope to be!
I prayed that the Lord would continually show you His abounding grace and that you'd accept it without fear, walking in His spirit! I too have had this problem, but how great is the father, that He would shower us with His love and favor, His grace and blessing? Blessings, dear friend. May you walk in the light of His love for you! Amen!
I like the analogy about how we are the medics in a war zone and how every moment counts.
Me too! We don't see it as that urgent, but I pray we would more and more. That we'd allow the Holy spirit to work in and through us as we live unto Him each day, because the time is short. Blessings, friend. Praying for you still! Be blessed!
I had a wonderful time reading in Titus and learning new things. I learned to look at verses differently than I have before. Thanks SRT team!
This small but powerful book of Titus has been wonderful to study. As I'm in week 2 of leading my first women's small group, this hits home for me. Paul's to-do list, and your paraphrased version will be a great guideline to refer to. Lord, allow me to love these ladies and give them grace as we strengthen our relationships for your glory.
Praying that prayer with you, Blair! May the Lord bless your time as you lead this group and may His spirit move powerfully there! Praise Him!
"Give each other grace, and do all these things in Jesus' name."
Amen. Amen. Amen.
Thank you Lord for Your grace!
I am so self-righteous that I really, really struggle to have grace with EVERYONE! I struggle to have it with the people I love and so for the people I don't love it's even worse. This study was something I really needed to hear. Everything I do looks good on the outside (or so it seems) but my heart isn't there. I needed this eye opener for a change of heart. It's also amazing how I haven't had a quiet, peaceful morning since this study started until today! Thank you Jesus for sleep and patience and quiet! Thank you for this day!
I'm so with you! My worst quality is my self-righteousness! God, rid me of it! Thanks for your honesty, great to know I don't struggle alone.