Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone. (Titus 3:1-2 NIV)
Relating to people. All of us have to do it, at least a little bit. These two verses are like a machine gun, firing out a quick set of instructions for relating to the people in your life. And I suspect there is something here that most of us can work on.
Relating to Different Groups
- Rulers and authorities include governmental authorities and management at work. We should be subject to those who have a rightful position of authority over us. That means we follow all the rules and laws that have been imposed on us. Although that does not include laws that are contrary to God’s higher laws.
- Be obedient to instructions given to us by those in authority. I wonder how many of the police shootings that make the news would never have happened if this instruction was followed?
- Always be ready to do good. If an opportunity to help someone comes along, take it. Doing good to others is something you should never grow weary of.
- Slander no one. I spend time each day on Facebook. It would be much different if this simple directive, as well as the ones that follow, was observed.
- Be peaceable and considerate. Get along with people. Sometimes conflict is unavoidable. But as much as possible, avoid conflict and be considerate of the other people you are in contact with.
- And, be gentle toward everyone. Including the driver who cut your off in traffic. The store clerk who was rude. And the grumpy neighbor.
Don’t treat others the way you think they deserve to be treated. Treat them as people that God loves, even if they are unlovely.
