Monday, July 22, 2024
Do you find yourself easily drawn into hot-tempered discussions? Social media and our 24-hour news cycle tend to fuel these fiery debates. However, the Bible teaches us to do the opposite—to avoid slander and live peacefully with all, even those with whom we may not agree.
Titus 3:1-2
1 Remind the believers to submit to the government and its officers. They should be obedient, always ready to do what is good. 2 They must not slander anyone and must avoid quarreling. Instead, they should be gentle and show true humility to everyone.
Paul is not saying that we must agree with all our government’s decisions; however, we must respect them and learn how to live peacefully and righteously under their authority. Romans 13:1-17 reminds us all leaders and authorities are appointed by God, meaning that we are to respect God’s rule and those he has chosen to govern us. Therefore, we as Christians must be obedient to our leaders. This does not mean that we are to defy God and his teachings if a leader overtly says to do so. Rather, we are to live peacefully under their decrees and to follow the law in our daily lives.
Today, there are many different opinions toward respecting the government, especially with politics added into the mix. It is important to remember that we should not allow this to divide us and prevent us from having peaceful relationships with each other.
The enemy uses division to distract us from building loving relationships with God and with others whom we could lead to Christ. Rather, we are to come together as God’s people and promote godly and righteous living, for ourselves and those around us.
I imagine that back in Titus’ day, political upheaval and opinionated arguments were also common—the Roman Empire was often fraught with tension, especially toward early Christians. It is not our job as Christians to cause contentious debate that divides people and turns others away from God. It is, however, our job to be gentle and welcoming, humbling ourselves before others, listening to and serving them as examples of Christ.
Let’s continue to shine Christ’s light on those around us, promoting peace and harmony within our relationships.
Questions:
What are some examples of how we can obey our government and rulers today?
How can you promote biblical peace and harmony in your relationships with those whom you may disagree with?
Next Steps:
This week, find a specific way to promote positivity in your relationships with others.
Pray for your government and its leaders, and that God guides their steps and leadership.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank you for blessing me with a diverse and beautiful world to live in. Help the church to build each other up and promote peace and positivity where there is division. Help me to realize when I am being led toward division and, instead, remind me to unify those around me with your love. Remind me to love those around me the way that Jesus loves me. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Series Theme Verse:
Titus 2:14
“He [Jesus] gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds.”
Today's post was written by Isabelle Billnitzer, a regular contributor to the LivingItOut Devotional.