The world needs more gentleness and kindness. Showing gentleness can be painful if we have a hard time obeying those over us and we like to slander those around us. As Christians, we need to be ready for every good work and to show kindness and gentleness to everyone we come in contact with.
Titus 3:1-2
Remind them to submit to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, to slander no one, to avoid fighting, and to be kind, always showing gentleness to all people.
The Apostle Paul is good at packing a passage with a ton of great advice. What it would take others several pages to write he can instill in a couple of sentences. It leaves us forming a checklist of things to remember. This passage is Titus is no different. He gives final instructions that would keep any average Christian busy all day long. He tells us to submit to and obey our leaders, be ready for every good work and to avoid gossip and arguing. This describes a kind person showing gentleness to everyone.
Starts With Obedience
Showing gentleness begins with obeying authority. People have a problem with authority. They don’t want anyone telling them what to do. They want to do their own thing and don’t want to hear another person’s opinion of what they are doing wrong. Yet one of God’s requirement is that we submit to the leadership He has put over us. It doesn’t matter if we like them or not or if they are a good leader, we are to obey them. This submission also includes a willingness to not talk behind your boss’ back and to avoid the drama of gossip and infighting that plague many workplaces.
Be Kind
Instead be kind and show gentleness to everyone who crosses your path. This is demonstrated by being ready to do every good work. A gentle person looks at the needs of other people and how they can help them be successful. Paul is on to something here because there is a benefit that comes from taking our focus off of yourself and placing it on others. When we walk a mile in another person’s shoes, we become empathetic to their plight, and it takes the edge off of our attitude. That brings a certain gentleness into our heart. We lose the “know it all” mentality and replace it with one of kindness.