Titus 3

Living the Beautiful Life: Reflections on Titus 3

As we come to the close of Paul’s letter to Titus, we find a powerful reminder about how we are to live as followers of Jesus. Paul isn’t just giving final thoughts—he’s calling us back to the basics of a life marked by grace, humility, and good works. Titus 3 challenges us to remember who we once were, who saved us, and how that changes the way we live in the world.

Remembering What We’ve Been Taught

Paul opens this chapter with a simple but essential word: “Remind the people.” We need constant reminders to live in obedience, to be peaceable, and to be gentle toward everyone. These are not one-time lessons—we forget, and we drift. So Paul tells Titus (and us) to keep coming back to these truths.

We’re called to respect authority, to be good citizens, and to act with humility. In a world that thrives on outrage, slander, and division, we are meant to be different. Our words and actions should reflect peace and kindness. That doesn’t mean we ignore truth or stay silent when something is wrong; it means we speak truth with love and respect, not slander or hostility.

We’ve all seen what happens when people tear one another down—whether in politics, on social media, or in everyday conversations. Paul reminds us that the way of Jesus is radically different. We are to bless, not curse; to build up, not destroy.

Saved by Grace Alone

Paul then takes us back to the foundation of our faith. He writes, “At one time, we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived, and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures.” That’s us. We were broken, lost, and full of pride. But then something beautiful happened—“When the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, He saved us.”

It wasn’t because of anything we did. It wasn’t our good behavior, our church attendance, or our spiritual disciplines. It was entirely because of His mercy and grace. The Holy Spirit washed us, renewed us, and brought us to life in Christ.

That reality should humble us. We didn’t earn this; we received it. And now, we get to live out that same kindness toward others. The grace that saved us is the grace that shapes us. Every act of gentleness, every moment of patience, every good work we do—it’s all a response to what Jesus has already done.

Living a Fruitful Life

Paul closes the letter by urging Titus and the believers to devote themselves to doing what is good. He warns against getting caught up in meaningless arguments or controversies. In our context, that might mean spending less time on toxic news feeds or social media battles and more time in God’s Word.

We’re called to live fruitful lives—lives marked by love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These aren’t boxes to check or behaviors to modify; they’re the natural fruit of a heart connected to Jesus.

So we have to ask ourselves: Is our life leading others to the Lord? Do our kids, our friends, or our coworkers see something in us that draws them toward Christ—or away from Him? Those are sobering questions, but they’re good ones. They remind us not to lean away from conviction, but to lean in—to the grace that changes us, to the Spirit who grows us, and to the Savior who saves us.

As we reflect on Titus 3, may we remember:
We’ve been saved by grace.
We’ve been called to goodness.
And we’ve been invited to live a life so beautiful, so peace-filled, and so full of love, that others can’t help but see Jesus through us.