Speak Up For Right Living Using The language Of Love

Titus 2:1-2 - But as for you, speak up for the right living that goes along with true Christianity.  Teach the older men to be serious and unruffled; they must be sensible, knowing and believing the truth and doing everything with love and patience.

Paul knew that Titus would face many situations where choices for anything but what God taught in the scriptures would dilute…and eventually destroy the faith that he had come to know in God.  Paul wanted him to feel the importance of having the respect of the older men…so that teaching the younger ones would be natural result of watching the elders of the church do what was right in the sight of God.

His advice to Titus is even more important now.  Those of us that are older must speak up for right living…retaining a serious tone that shows the younger ones the urgency of trusting God’s way to be the best way to live ….every day. Our stance has to be delivered in love and we must have patience with them as they learn.

I needed the reminder this morning to take the strongest stance for God that I can each day.  It is much easier to let the opportunity to speak out go by … taking no stand at all.  But remember that the choice to remain silent is a choice for the other side. AND…that choice to keep silent is being watched by all those that know we have professed to be a follower of God.

On the other hand ...the choice to take a stand with harsh and judgmental tones is just as bad. Paul says to temper all that we do and say with love. We might let everyone know that we don’t accept the murder of abortion…or the same in same sex marriages….but we will lose the chance to lead them to God’s love if our stance is taken without love and patience.

Father...thank you for the reminder that I need to take a stand against the things that I know are contrary to your word. Forgive me for the times that I have stayed silent…or been too harsh in stating my stance.  Help me to use love and patience to not just say what I believe…but use that love to help others believe as well.  Amen.