“to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.” Titus 3:2
Sometimes when I read God’s word, a phrase jumps out at me like I’ve never read it before. Ever have that happen? A few weeks ago I had been reading the book of Titus several times, over the course of a few days, and all of a sudden, “Bam!” – there it was: “show perfect courtesy toward all people.”
It’s easy for me to be courteous to people that I like or who aren’t currently getting under my skin (Yes, people get under my skin. You do know that I’m a sinner, don’t you?). But I find it very difficult to be courteous, let alone show “perfect” courtesy, to those who bother me. In those moments of struggle, I need God’s grace more than ever. That’s probably why Paul mentioned God’s transforming grace earlier in the letter to Titus-
“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age” Titus 2:11-13
God’s grace can help you be perfectly courteous to your spouse when you’re discussing your finances, when you’re putting kids to bed, when you’re stuck in traffic, when you’re behind someone in the grocery store and they have 45 items in the 20 items and under lane, etc.
God’s grace is perfect for any situation where you need to show perfect courtesy. All you have to do is ask.
So, the next time you find yourself around difficult people (who are just like you!) show them perfect, God-empowered courtesy…even if they don’t deserve it. Because that’s the essence of grace- we don’t deserve it.
Trying to show perfect courtesy,
~Benji
AMAZING GREY CITY 