To Live in Peace

…Slander no one, be peaceable and considerate, and always be gentle toward everyone. – (Titus 3:2, NIV)

Tell them not to speak evil of anyone but to live in peace with others. They should be gentle and polite to everyone. – (Titus 3:2, ERV)

Don’t tear down another person with your words. Instead, keep the peace, and be considerate. Be truly humble toward everyone. – (Titus 3:2, VOICE)

Our words ought to be to build others up, not tear down. When we watch our words, we are better equipped to live in peace with those around us. Gentleness toward and consideration of others are ways to walk out our days as God intended. May we ever seek the Lord to lead us in how we use our words, for what exits our mouth is a direct representation of our heart.

Speak out no evil,

Don’t tear others down;

Instead, choose speak life,

Let kindness be found.

Be gentle, humble,

Considerate, kind;

Let peace breathe purpose,

So love’s what we find.

The Lord is faithful,

To lead us with care;

So seek Him always,

As love’s what we share.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are loving and kind, and that You are faithful to lead us with words that give life as we depend on You. Forgive us for the times that we have spoken out with the intent to harm rather than to encourage and build up and extend love. Teach us to speak life to those around us so that they may come to know the magnitude of Your incredible and unending love. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we choose to be peaceable, considerate and gentle towards everyone. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. – Romans 12:18

Forego Foolish Debates

But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless. – (Titus 3:9, NIV)

Stay away from those who have foolish arguments, who talk about useless family histories, or who make trouble and fight about what the Law of Moses teaches. These things are useless and will not help anyone. – (Titus 3:9, ERV)

Listen, don’t get trapped in brainless debates; avoid competition over family trees or pedigrees; stay away from fights and disagreements over the law. They are a waste of your time. – (Titus 3:9, VOICE)

Currently, this could be stated as “do not engage in social media debates and arguments, as nothing good ever comes from them.” The problem with social media is that people hide behind a screen. Words fly into chat boxes and reply lines with little regard for how the words could be interpreted. Without voice and body language, an enormous piece of intent is absent. It is far too easy to misconstrue what is written, and take offense when no harm was intended. Additionally, filters seem to be removed, as there is no visual reception of how a reader interprets what is typed in a box. Yes, communicating and sharing ideas is important, yet it seems to go far better when it is a face-to-face exchange. There is time for pause, real listening, and thoughtful reply. May we seek the Lord to guide us in the conversations we ought to have, and those which do nothing to benefit either person.

Fall not in the trap,

Of foolish debates;

Love is our purpose,

Not words that berate.

God show us the way,

To listen to learn;

And build new bridges,

Help us to discern.

Please fill up our hearts,

With purpose to love;

So kindness will lead,

Through grace from above.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that Your patience and kindness is timeless, and that Your word is true and applicable today. Forgive us for the times that we have engaged in useless arguments or debates, rather than chosen to love. Teach us when to walk away and when to engage in a loving and productive manner. Show us how to love first, rather than worry about being right or making our thoughts or opinions known. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we choose to avoid foolish controversies and arguments, and instead live a life that is ruled by love. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” – John 13:34

To Keep the Peace

They must not slander anyone and must avoid quarreling. Instead, they should be gentle and show true humility to everyone. – (Titus 3:2, NLT)

They shouldn’t speak disrespectfully about anyone, but they should be peaceful, kind, and show complete courtesy toward everyone. – (Titus 3:2, CEB)

Don’t tear down another person with your words. Instead, keep the peace, and be considerate. Be truly humble toward everyone. – (Titus 3:2, VOICE)

 

These words are still completely applicable to us all. Can you imagine our schools, our work places, our cities, and our nation, if people chose to be considerate and humble toward everyone, refusing to tear others down with their words? If we treated each other the way God intended, peace would reign, and we would no longer witness wars of words as a “that’s just how they communicate” situation. Though the high road takes more work, it always leads to a more worthwhile destination. The result of peace, patience, kindness, humility and self-control, far outweigh the momentary satisfaction of a curt reply. May we seek the Lord and His grace so that we may respond to others according to His ways.

 

 

A gentle answer, 

Can turn away wrath;

Bring peace in chaos,

Point to the right path.

For where we choose love,

God’s grace is made plain;

Through humility,

Our life is our claim.

So, let us choose love,

Kindness and His grace;

Ways that point people,

To seek the Lord’s face.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You call us to be peaceful and considerate, so that we might choose to walk humbly in love, just as You love each of us. Forgive us for the times that we have been less than loving in our response to people. Teach us to trust You to give us the grace to be humble and kind, acting in love to all people at all times. Show us how to love like You. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we trust in You and Your unfailing love to lead us well. Amen.

 

 

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

 

Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. – Philippians 4:5

Freely Given

When God our Savior revealed His kindness and love, He saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy. – (Titus 3:4-5a, NLT)

But then the kindness and love of God our Savior was made known. He saved us because of His mercy, not because of any good things we did. – (Titus 3:4-5a, ERV)

But then something happened: God our Savior and His overpowering love and kindness for humankind entered our world; He came to save us. It’s not that we earned it by doing good works or righteous deeds; He came because He is merciful. – (Titus 3:4-5a, VOICE)

 

Our hope and our help come not as a result of what we have done, but rather that of which God has done. In His kindness and love, He made the way for us to be saved. Salvation is not dependent on our qualifications, but rather on our reception of that which is freely given. If we choose to believe and receive the new life that He offers, our hearts are changed and minds are made new. While we were yet sinners, He loved. Most of us are able to extend mercy to friends and loved ones, but to those who are against us? The Lord demonstrates the depth and breadth of His love through how He loves and offers salvation to ALL. There are no exceptions nor exclusions from His offer; His mercy is available to everyone. May we both receive and extend that which we have been given freely, so that others too, may come to know the loving kindness and mercy of our Maker.

 

It’s kindness and love, 

Through mercy He brings;

That we can be saved,

Freed from sinful things.

Salvation’s not earned,

By good that we do;

But given by grace,

That shows His love true.

What it takes from us,

Is choice to receive;

To place trust in Him,

Allow God to lead.

As we give God reign,

Our eyes start to see;

Others with His grace,

Kindness and mercy.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You came to save us, not because of anything that we did that made us good enough, but rather because of Your kindness and love. Thank You that You are merciful and full of grace, ready to receive all who seek Your face. Forgive us for thinking we have to measure up, rather than freely receiving that which You have to give. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would depend on You to lead us and change us from the inside out. Show us how to love others with the same kindness, love and mercy that You extend to each of us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we receive what You freely give so that we can give likewise. Amen.

 

© Shannon Elizabeth Moreno and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

 

Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad. – 1 Chronicles 16:31

Made New By Mercy

He saved us, not because of the righteous things we have done, but because of His mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. – (Titus 3:5, NLT)

He saved us because of His mercy, not because of any good things we did. He saved us through the washing that made us new people. He saved us by making us new through the Holy Spirit. – (Titus 3:5, ERV)

 

I am so grateful that salvation is based on God’s goodness, not ours. His mercy declares us forgiven and grants us the desire to do His will, not the other way around. It is far too easy to get caught up in the “enough” mindset. Thankfully, in Christ, we are enough. It has nothing to do with what we do or do not do, but rather in Whom we place our trust. May we embrace the grace that God freely gives to all who call on His Name, and receive the new life His Spirit brings so that we may move forward in faith.

 

Because of mercy, 

In Christ we are free;

We need only come,

Let go, trust in Thee.

Embrace the Lord’s grace,

For He freely gives;

All who seek His face,

Gain new life to live.

It’s not what we do,

But rather our trust;

That shows us His grace,

As He lifts us up.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your amazing grace that saves us. Thank You that it is Your mercy, not our works that make us new by Your Holy Spirit. Thank You that You receive all who earnestly seek Your face. Forgive us for not trusting that Your grace is enough, and somehow thinking that we must earn it. Teach us to trust You completely so that our motivation for all that we do will be to please and honor You. Show us how to love those around us in a way that extends grace and mercy to all. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we receive Your mercy and give You praise for Your incredible grace. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Moreno and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. – Psalm 23:6

Considerate Peace Keeping

Don’t tear down another person with your words. Instead, keep the peace, and be considerate. Be truly humble toward everyone. – (Titus 3:2, VOICE)

 

Despite how others speak to us, we are called to be humble and kind. It is not our place to tear others down, but rather we are called to build one another up in love. This can be the most challenging when others are attempting to tear us down with their words. Typically, the words selected are those that hit directly in the heart where it hurts the most, so we instinctually want to lash back out. In Christ, we are covered and called to do differently. Though we are not meant to be doormats, we are not intended to retaliate fire where we have been fired upon. Kindness extended where cruelty has come our way, is the water to squelch the fire. There is something diabolically disarming about kind words coming our way when we are angry and about to blow a fuse. The heat that was fueling our rage, suddenly no longer burns as hot, and we are able to regain our right mind and walk the way in which we are called to walk. May we seek the Lord in all things and at all times, and trust in Him to lead us in how we interact with others – even when they are unkind. Let His love lead us so that we may keep the peace, be considerate, and truly humble toward all.

 

Let’s not let our words,

tear another down;

for offering peace,

is how love is found.

Let’s choose to think first,

be considerate;

be humble to all,

one who’s different.

For as we love well,

give kindness to all;

barriers break down,

and need to harm falls.

Despite what we get,

let our choice be love;

for we have been called,

be gentle as doves.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You do not just ask us to not tear others down with our words, but You sent Your Son to show us how it is done. Thank You that You call us to be keepers of the peace, and You give us direction to be considerate and humble to lead us there. Thank You too, that this is not something that we are expected to do in our own strength, but rather You equip and empower us by Your Holy Spirit who dwells within us. Forgive us for any of our words, thoughts or deeds that tear others down, rather than build them up. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would seek You in all things – even the smallest reaction or response to others, so that we would keep the peace as we are called to do. Show us how to love others in a way that encourages and builds them up, bringing peace wherever we may go. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we build others up and keep the peace, as we walk humbly before You and everyone we meet. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Moreno and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present.

He who refreshes others will himself be refreshed. – Proverbs 11:25

Speak Life

In Paul’s letter to Titus, he was providing instruction as to how to lead people to live right, according to Christ. Titus 3:2 is a timely reminder, in light of all that has been going on in the world around us. Despite differing opinions, God still reigns, and we have been given the following instructions: Tell them not to speak evil of anyone but to live in peace with others. They should be gentle and polite to everyone. – (Titus 3:2, ERV) Paul further unpacks the reminder that not one of us has earned our good standing before God. Rather, we were made right with God by His grace. God saved us so that we could be His children and look forward to receiving life that never ends. – (Titus 3:7, ERV)

 

It is by God’s grace that we have been saved. Our charge, as His children, is to love God and love people. We will not always agree with every decision or lifestyle that is chosen, yet that is not our charge. We are called to love. If we speak evil of those who know Him not, how will they ever have any desire to draw near? When we are gentle and kind, extending love and grace to others, just as it has been given unto us, it is then that people may see Christ in and through us. Yes, we are called to come alongside and help correct and redirect those within the church who are walking in blatant sin, but not those who know Him not. May we choose to live in peace with one another, extending gentleness and grace to everyone, so that all may come to know the lavish love of the Lord.

 

Speak not unkindly,

and choose be at peace;

be gentle to all,

let grace be released.

For we were all made,

right before the Lord;

because of His grace,

in love, He affords.

Share well His kindness,

extend too, His love;

so all may soon know,

the gift from above.

Be humble to all,

slander not ever;

let His love light shine,

now and forever.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that we are not called to judge, slander or speak evil of others, but rather You call us to love. Thank You that You grant us discernment to know what is right and wrong, so that we may lead our lives in obedience to You, personally. Forgive us for not being peaceable or considerate, or for speaking ill of anyone based on the choices that they have made – for we all have sinned and fallen short of Your glory. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would choose to love without limits and allow You to work in the hearts of those around us. May many receive Your glorious gift of grace that You give freely, as they choose enter into an eternal relationship with You. Be exalted O God, as we choose to live and love peaceably with kindness, offering Your love and grace to all. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Moreno and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present.

Listen… be wise, and keep your heart on the right path. – Proverbs 23:19

The Kindness of God

But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by His grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. – (Titus 3:4-7, NIV)

 

But then the kindness and love of God our Savior was made known. He saved us because of His mercy, not because of any good things we did. He saved us through the washing that made us new people. He saved us by making us new through the Holy Spirit. God poured out to us that Holy Spirit fully through Jesus Christ our Savior. We were made right with God by His grace. God saved us so that we could be His children and look forward to receiving life that never ends. – (Titus 3:4-7, ERV)

 

Our salvation, the promised hope of His presence now and our future forever in heaven with Him, is a gift that He freely gives to us out of His insatiable love for His created. His love is equally available to all. There is no preferential treatment in who is saved and who is not, rather it is a matter of who is willing to receive that which He is offering to all. When we grasp but a glimpse of His kindness and love for us, we cannot help but lay hold of that which He is offering. He chose to take all of our sin and shame upon Himself, so that we could be made clean and acceptable before the Father. More than that, when He returned to the right hand of the Father, He sent His Holy Spirit to be present in the hearts of all who believe, ever renewing our minds so that we can become whom He created us to be. What a treasure we hold to be called co-heirs with Christ!

 

It is His kindness,

that showed us the way;

brought us to repent,

our hearts gone astray.

His love, it woos us,

to mercies brand new;

His grace embraces,

and carries us through.

His Spirit poured out,

to lead and to guide;

to show us the way,

always by our side.

This glorious gift,

is ours to embrace;

receive all He has,

and walk in His grace.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that it is Your kindness and love that draws us unto You. Thank You that we are not saved by our own righteousness, but by receiving that which You offer. Thank You that as we receive, You cleanse us from our unrighteousness and make us new, by Your Holy Spirit. Thank You that in You, we have help for today and hope for all of eternity. Forgive us for thinking that we somehow have to earn our salvation, rather than receive what You are offering. Thank You that as we are saved, You grow in us, the desire to do good works, and use those to bless and encourage those who need to see You in a tangible way. Help us to keep our focus on You in all things and at all times, so that our heart is right before You. May we love others as You so lavishly love us, and may many come to know the glorious gift of eternal life that You are offering. Be exalted, O God, in everything that we say and do. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Moreno and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present.

For it is commendable if a man bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God. – I Peter 2:19