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The Outrage Isn't Holy - Titus 3:1-2
A Verse
Titus 3:1-2
1 Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, 2 to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.
A Comment
With verse 2, “Paul turns to our relationship with everybody in the community.” The first two points are stated negatively: do not speak evil and avoid quarreling. The last two are positive: be gentle and show perfect courtesy toward all people. In a sense, these ideas work in parallel, teaching through contrast. It would be difficult to be gentle and courteous toward others if you were also bent on slandering them or starting fights with them.
To be sure, the idea of “slander” or “speaking evil” here does not exclude the need for correction or confrontation when necessary, but rather emphasizes that our words must be true and seasoned with grace. The Christian is called to be a peacemaker, not a quarrelsome spirit. Robert Yarbrough notes, “A sharp tongue is often combined with an irascible spirit and confrontational behavior. These tendencies are inconsistent with confessing Christ as Lord and Savior.” As Paul would tell us elsewhere, such behavior is unbecoming of God’s people—and especially of those who proclaim the gospel. Based on what I see on social media, I can’t help but wonder if some Christians need to be reminded to read Titus again.
There’s a needed reminder here about how we represent Christ in a culture fueled by outrage. Gentleness and courtesy are not weakness; they are strength under control and the mark of a heart shaped by grace. (If you are looking for a resource that covers this in more depth, check out my latest book When Poets Were Warriors here) They reveal that our confidence is not in winning debates but in displaying the character of the One who has already conquered sin and death. What the world needs most is not louder Christians with sharper words but humbler Christians with Christlike hearts, people who speak truth with conviction, patience, and love.
Hope for Life with Dr. Casey B. Hough is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
A Prayer
Would you pray with me?
A Blessing
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. (2 Corinthians 13:14)
Get full access to Hope for Life with Dr. Casey B. Hough at hopeforlife.substack.com/subscribe
View all episodes
By Casey B. HoughA Verse
Titus 3:1-2
1 Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, 2 to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.
A Comment
With verse 2, “Paul turns to our relationship with everybody in the community.” The first two points are stated negatively: do not speak evil and avoid quarreling. The last two are positive: be gentle and show perfect courtesy toward all people. In a sense, these ideas work in parallel, teaching through contrast. It would be difficult to be gentle and courteous toward others if you were also bent on slandering them or starting fights with them.
To be sure, the idea of “slander” or “speaking evil” here does not exclude the need for correction or confrontation when necessary, but rather emphasizes that our words must be true and seasoned with grace. The Christian is called to be a peacemaker, not a quarrelsome spirit. Robert Yarbrough notes, “A sharp tongue is often combined with an irascible spirit and confrontational behavior. These tendencies are inconsistent with confessing Christ as Lord and Savior.” As Paul would tell us elsewhere, such behavior is unbecoming of God’s people—and especially of those who proclaim the gospel. Based on what I see on social media, I can’t help but wonder if some Christians need to be reminded to read Titus again.
There’s a needed reminder here about how we represent Christ in a culture fueled by outrage. Gentleness and courtesy are not weakness; they are strength under control and the mark of a heart shaped by grace. (If you are looking for a resource that covers this in more depth, check out my latest book When Poets Were Warriors here) They reveal that our confidence is not in winning debates but in displaying the character of the One who has already conquered sin and death. What the world needs most is not louder Christians with sharper words but humbler Christians with Christlike hearts, people who speak truth with conviction, patience, and love.
Hope for Life with Dr. Casey B. Hough is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
A Prayer
Would you pray with me?
A Blessing
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. (2 Corinthians 13:14)
Get full access to Hope for Life with Dr. Casey B. Hough at hopeforlife.substack.com/subscribe