Summer Fruit Devotion: Gentleness Day 2

Perfect Courtesy

“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. For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people. But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.” Titus 3:1-11

My pastor often reminds us, “Anyone argued into the kingdom can be argued back out again. The goal is to win hearts, not arguments.” When I was won to Christ by my friends it wasn’t because they told me everything that was wrong with my life or tried to fix the doctrines I had wrong. My conscience was already telling me my life was messed up and I already knew my heart was empty. One day I had one friend in particular who put her hand on my shoulder, looked me in the eye and asked me if I knew how much Jesus loved me. Talk about gentle, perfect courtesy. I wept. Up until then I thought if God was real he must be judging me, and hating me and punishing me. I had lots of questions and I did start studying the Bible before I came to faith, but that moment was the turning point, the gospel seed planted in my heart, in gentleness. I haven’t thought about that moment for years and I am so grateful for scriptures like this that remind us of God’s goodness and loving-kindness and challenge us to be more careful as we share the Gospel.

Journal time. Paul tells Titus, “Remind them.” So, dear friend, I want to remind you “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.” Who needs your gentle, perfect courtesy?

Pray with me today. Heavenly Father, we are so grateful for your word that teaches us how much you love us and how we can better love others. Holy Spirit renew a spirit of gentleness in us so we can communicate your Gospel well, scattering seeds everywhere we go. Help us to be less condemning and show your perfect courtesy to all people. We would rather win a heart than an argument. We would rather glorify you than insist on our own way being right. In the grace and hope of Jesus we pray, Amen.