Public behavior today seems to be snobbery, arrogance, and even violence. But Paul writes to Titus, instructing him to teach the congregation about public behavior. (Titus 3:2)
1. To speak evil of no one
Paul bans gossip, slander, malicious intent, whisper campaigns, and smear campaigns on social media. Even while disagreeing with someone, a Christian has to guard his speech. Most people speak badly about others, which are assumptions and hearsay.
2. To avoid quarrelling
Christians are followers of the Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 8:6) They enjoy peace; the world could either give or take it away. (John 14:27) Peace with God, peace within oneself, helps believers to be at peace with others. When a person’s ways please the Lord, he makes even his enemies be at peace with him. (Proverbs 16:7) Instead of indulging in heated fights and arguments, a Christian should bring calmness, assertiveness, and politeness in any conversation.
3. To be gentle
Christians should show love, care, gentleness, and grace, even while under pressure of situations. Spiritual maturity is demonstrated by Graciousness accompanied by gentleness. In a culture where snobbery and strife are common, Christians should show a new way of life. The Lord Jesus Christ was gentle with all, including his betrayer and denier, who came to arrest him in the Garden of Gethsemane. His gentleness was evident when he pleaded forgiveness to his tormentors.
4. Perfect courtesy toward all people
The phrase perfect courtesy that is translated from Greek means at least three things. First, it is a spirit of gentleness, in contrast to being abrasive or abusive. Second, there is humility. Christians are called to be humble like the Lord Jesus Christ, who washed the feet of the disciples. Third, there is sweet reasonableness. Most people are unreasonable, demanding rights and favors, and also think they are right and others are wrong. Hence, they relate to others with envy and hostility. Christians are expected to be reasonable, as well as sweet, in all their conversations and connections. Let your reasonableness be known to all men. (Philippians 4:5)
Do I exhibit perfect courtesy toward all people?