21 September 2026
Mark Penrith begins Titus 3 by bringing grace into the ordinary pressures of daily life. Paul says, “Remind them to submit to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work.” Then he adds, “to slander no one, to avoid fighting, and to be kind, showing all gentleness to all people.” Grace does not remain an idea we discuss at church. Grace changes the way we speak, respond, work, lead, and live. A grace-saved man should be recognisable by his gentleness.
That sounds simple until someone frustrates you. A difficult colleague sends another irritating message. A driver cuts you off. A family member says something that gets under your skin. Your child disobeys for the third time. In those moments, your response reveals something. Mark asks, “Do you submit to the authorities you did not choose?” He then asks whether we are known as people who “do not speak ill of anyone” and who are gentle and kind. These commands challenge us because our natural response often moves toward irritation, criticism, and conflict.
Paul gives us a reason to respond differently. “For we too were once foolish, and disobedient, being deceived, being enslaved by various passions and pleasures.” We have not always been the people we should be. We were rescued from sin by God’s mercy. Mark says, “Remembering your past produces gentleness toward those still trapped in their sin.” That does not excuse sin. It produces humility. When you remember that Christ rescued you, you have less reason to look down on someone who is still struggling. You did not save yourself. You were rescued. Act like it toward others.
So try something practical today. When someone provokes you, pause for ten seconds before you answer. Remember, “I was rescued too.” Then choose gentleness. At work, answer the difficult message without sarcasm. At home, correct your children without losing control. Firmness and gentleness can stand together. Your children need to see that biblical authority does not require anger. They need to see what grace looks like when obedience is difficult. As Mark says, “You were once rotten, and now you don’t have to be.” The gospel gives you a new way to respond.
Father, thank You for saving us according to Your mercy. Help us remember what we were and what You have made us. Make us gentle in our homes, workplaces, churches, and communities. Help us respond to difficult people with the same grace You have shown us. Amen.