"...to be obedient, to be open to every good enterprise, slander no one, to be peaceable, considerate, exercising all graciousness toward everyone."
This is the admonishment St. Paul asks Titus to pass on to the early church.
Look again at the behavior St. Paul exhorts:
to be obedient...today we measure success by disobedience, doing your own thing, not being confined by the rules or standard of another
to be open to every good enterprise...When have we applauded another for taking the initiative, doing a good deed, taking charge. How do we rejoice in the goodness of the other? How do we support enterprises that work for the common good? How often do we support those enterprises that do not bear good but we do so because of the profit margin we may obtain?
slander no one...do not speak false accusations against someone. There is a difference between denunciation and accusation. Denunciation is for the amendment of another, that is, wanting them to be better, where as, accusation is for the punishment of the another's crimes. How often do we seek the betterment of the other rather than just bringing accusations against them? It is easy to accuse and a lot harder to journey with in order to assist one in getting better. Secondly, we don't always have the facts, yet we seem as a general rule, eager to accuse and even accuse false without knowing every thing. We are eager to prove guilty even with out the proper evidence.
to be peaceable and considerate....this is certainly lost amongst many. To be considerate is to have a regard for the feelings and needs of others. It boils down to thoughtfulness. Are we careful and deliberate in regards to the needs of others. Do we put the needs of others before ourself? This is a constant area of improvement in our lives. Thoughtfulness is that which makes sure that everyone at every time matters. Is this not the way to peace! HOw often do we dismiss people we meet along the way?
exercising all graciousness toward everyone... Being pleasant or in an agreeable manner when socializing with others. Why be gracious? St. Paul goes on to say the kindness and generous love of God has appeared in Christ not by our own merit but by the simple gift of God himself. Why be gracious because God is gracious. We are invited to imitate him in our response to others in our society.
Thus our life can begin to express the gratitude we have toward God. Like the one leper who returns to say thank you to Christ for the healing received, so our lives should weave a garment of gratitude daily.
In this gratitude of living we are able to stand tall and live as heirs of hope in Christ.
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