You may have seen (here and here) that my fellow blog writer, Charlie Wolcott, has concluded his time writing blog posts. As you perhaps have guessed from the title of this post, I am wrapping up writing blog posts as well, and this is my final post for Worldview Warriors.
My first weekly blog post (which I’m almost embarrassed to link to) was published on September 17, 2011, more than 14 years ago. You are currently reading my 744th blog post. I have published a post every week, with two exceptions – once, we had some theological concerns to work through, and the other time I was on a cruise and didn’t write ahead (as I have done since then). Sometime many years ago (perhaps even before I started writing posts), Jason DeZurik gave me a T-shirt at a Worldview Warriors event that was black with the words “Be Consistent” in white on the front. I still wear it occasionally, and I believe I have lived out that motto quite well in my blog writing!
But rather than focus on my accomplishments here, I believe it’s much more fitting to showcase what God has done in my life and how He has brought all of this about. It was truly God who brought me to this ministry. In 2004, God called me to go to seminary; in 2007, He made that happen. I had to move to Findlay, OH, for seminary (where I ended up staying, thanks to God’s plans), and the first job I had here was absolutely terrible. But God brought about a new job for me, as a design engineer at Ridge & Associates. The owner of the company at the time was a big supporter of the newly-formed Worldview Warriors ministry, so he gave Jason DeZurik office space in our building. Jason walked by my office to get to his, and that’s how God brought us together back in the summer of 2007, along with leading us both to the same church at the time.
After I finished my MDiv in 2010, Jason asked me to be on the radio program, Do Not Keep Silent, which was only about a year old at that time. I had wanted to be on the show since his very first broadcast, but I knew that if God wanted that to happen, it would – and it did. Starting on December 5, 2010, I was on the broadcast just about every month until the show ended in October 2023. God used Jason to stretch me and grow me, both theologically and in my ability to deal with the unexpected. It became a joke that during nearly every show, live on the air, Jason would say, “I didn’t prepare Katie for this, but…”
When Jason first asked me to write a few blog posts in September 2011, I did not know what God would do with that. I wrote stories as a kid, but as an engineer, writing wasn’t really my “thing.” But it felt like what God was directing me to, so I started writing. In late 2012, Jason asked me to proofread his book since I was good at grammar, and I was already proofreading doctoral dissertations for the seminary for a few years by then. In 2014, I took over managing the blog – coordinating posts and writers, making sure all posts were proofread, and then publishing them on this platform. At one point, we had 8 regular weekly writers: one for each day, Monday through Saturday, and two who alternated on Sundays!
God used that to launch me into a side gig of proofreading books, which led to formatting books, designing covers, and helping people publish their work. In January 2019, Worldview Warriors published its first three books – What the Bible Says About, Biblical Foundations, and Heroes of the Faith – all of which were based on blog post series. Since then, we’ve published a total of 13 books, 7 of which I authored. God grew my work in the publishing area so much that at the end of 2020, I left my full-time engineering job at Ridge & Associates and pursued my book editing/publishing business, among other ministry ventures, including starting my Doctor of Ministry degree in Biblical Hebrew teaching methods, which I completed in 2023.
Throughout this entire time, God was consistently growing me in my faith. The consistency of blog writing, the discipline of slowly walking through various Scripture books in my writing, the challenge of listening to what the Holy Spirit was directing me to write about, the adventure of theological discussions on live radio (many of which were also recorded and turned into a podcast), and the opportunity to grow together as a ministry team were all a huge part of my spiritual development as a person.
Through God’s direction years ago, Jason DeZurik took a chance on me – this nerdy engineer who was exploring God’s calling on her life – and helped me grow into the person I am today and the person that the Holy Spirit is still developing me into. We built a deep friendship through all those years and hours spent on the radio together, and we have walked through a lot of life’s ups and downs together. For all of that, I am truly thankful!
But this wouldn’t be a Worldview Warriors blog post without throwing some Scripture in here, so here are a few passages that I feel are especially fitting. Romans 8:37-39 says, “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” This is the truth that being a part of Worldview Warriors has truly driven home for me. Writing blog posts for 14 years has sometimes been more academic than spiritual, but the amazing and all-powerful love of God is always there, urging me to follow His leading in my life and recognize what He has done, is doing, and will do.
I would be remiss if I didn’t also quote Qohelet as well: “Not only was the Teacher wise, but he also imparted knowledge to the people. He pondered and searched out and set in order many proverbs. The Teacher searched to find just the right words, and what he wrote was upright and true. The words of the wise are like goads, their collected sayings like firmly embedded nails —given by one shepherd” (Ecclesiastes 12:9-11). All of the words that I’ve written on this blog were not my own; they were given by one shepherd, God Almighty. While I’ve never done a word count on my writings, they’re generally 1000-1200 words each, so I’ve probably written in the ballpark of 800,000+ words for this blog. While my words are not on the level of Scripture by any means, I pray that each one of them was God-ordained and “useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
We know that “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens” (Ecclesiastes 3:1), and my season of writing weekly blog posts has come to an end. I strive to continue following God’s leading in my life, wherever that takes me. Right now, that looks like being the “behind the scenes” person to make ministry work happen for Church Doctor Ministries, Church4Today, and the Momentum Network, producing videos and podcasts for The Joshua Center, teaching research courses at the master’s and doctoral levels at Winebrenner Theological Seminary, helping people publish books, doing website design, managing my rental properties, serving various organizations in my community, and whatever else God decides to do with me to fulfill His good purposes in this world. This life is all about God and bringing Him glory, and I pray that I have done that through this blog.
I leave you with a closing from the Apostle Paul, Romans 16:25-27: “Now to him who is able to establish you in accordance with my gospel, the message I proclaim about Jesus Christ, in keeping with the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past, but now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings by the command of the eternal God, so that all the Gentiles might come to the obedience that comes from faith — to the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen.”
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“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
- Galatians 5:22-23
We end the list of the fruit of the Spirit with a word that touches nearly every area of daily life: self-control. In many ways, self-control feels like the most practical and the most challenging of the list. It meets us in our habits, our reactions, our appetites, our words, our screens, our spending, our tempers, our time, and our choices when no one else is watching.
We live in a culture of excess – excess noise, options, consumption, distractions, and indulgence – and yet Scripture invites us into a different way of life. Scripture invites us not to a life of restriction for its own sake, but one of freedom through surrender. Self-control is not about suppressing life; it is about ordering life under the lordship of Christ.
Biblical self-control is the idea of mastery over oneself, restraint, disciplined living, and strength over desires and impulses. We are to say no when temptation calls, yes when obedience feels costly, wait when impatience increases, and enough when we’re tempted by excess. Self-control is not self-reliance; it is dependence on the Holy Spirit. It is the power of God working within us to align our desires with His will.
Scripture consistently ties self-control to wisdom, maturity, and godliness. Proverbs 25:28 says, “Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control.” Titus 2:11-12 says, “For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say ‘no’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.” Second Timothy 1:7 says, “God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power, love, and self-discipline.” Self-control protects us. It guards our hearts, strengthens our witness, and leads us toward freedom, not bondage. Without self-control, even good gifts can become destructive idols.
Jesus lived a life of perfect obedience and holy restraint, never once failing in His self-control. He resisted temptation in the wilderness. He chose obedience over comfort. He restrained His power instead of using it for selfish gain. He controlled His tongue before His accusers. He submitted to the Father’s will, even unto death. At any moment, Jesus could have called down angels to rescue Him, yet He chose the cross. That is self-control at its highest expression: choosing God’s will over personal desire, even when it costs everything.
However, self-control is challenging because it pushes against instant gratification. It goes against acting out our initial emotional reactions. It defies cultural pressure and our fleshly desires to “do what feels good.” It fights against entitlement and spiritual laziness. We often see self-control as denying our desires, but in reality, it’s all about redirecting our desires toward the things of God.
The practice of self-control should touch our lives in many ways. It should shape how we speak – resisting gossip, choosing gentleness over sarcasm, pausing before responding in anger, and speaking truth with love. It should shape our emotions, helping us respond with grace rather than react immediately. It does not deny emotions but submits them to Christ. Self-control should honor God with our bodies and our physical lives: what we consume, how we rest, and caring for our health. Self-control helps us take control of our screens, schedules, commitments, and distractions, guiding us to choose what matters most.
The world sees discipline as limiting, but in God’s eyes, discipline brings freedom and liberation. A life without self-control is chaotic and enslaved to impulses that come and go, while a life controlled by the Holy Spirit is steady, purposeful, and free. It frees us to live the life for which God designed us, not the life that our impulses and desires of the flesh demand.
Because self-control is a fruit of the Spirit, it grows as we walk closely with God. We need to focus on transforming and renewing our minds to focus on the desires of the Holy Spirit. Practice small acts of obedience, as self-control grows through daily decisions, not dramatic moments. Seek accountability in all of this, as God often uses others to strengthen our self-discipline. Recognize that we will fail at self-control, but failure is not the end. God’s grace restores and strengthens us, allowing us to always try one more time.
Ask yourself, where do you struggle most with self-control? What habits shape your daily life for good or for harm? How might greater self-control lead to deeper freedom? What small step of discipline is God inviting you to take this week?
As I close this series on the fruit of the Spirit, remember this truth: Fruit is not produced by striving; it is produced by abiding in the Holy Spirit. The fruit of the Spirit is not a checklist to complete but a life to cultivate. As we walk daily with Christ, surrender to the Spirit, and trust God’s transforming work, these qualities grow in us slowly, steadily, and beautifully: love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
May your life bear much fruit, for your good, for the good of others, and for the glory of God.
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“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
- Galatians 5:22-23
If there’s any fruit of the Spirit that feels countercultural, or maybe even impossible, in the world we live in, it’s this one: gentleness.
We live in a society that often rewards the loudest voices, the sharpest comebacks, the strongest opinions, and the toughest personalities. “Stand your ground,” “Don’t let anyone walk over you,” “Get the last word” – these are the messages we hear every day. Social media especially encourages harshness; the quick jab, the snap judgment, the sarcastic reply, the assumption of the worst in others.
But in contrast to that, we as Christians are called to be gentle.
At first glance, gentleness might seem like the “softest” of the fruits—maybe even the least impressive. But Biblically, gentleness is not weakness. Gentleness is strength under control. It comes from a heart that is secure in the Lord, able to trust God’s power rather than asserting our own. It is one of the clearest ways we reflect the heart of Jesus Himself.
The Greek word translated as gentleness carries nuances of humility, quiet strength, controlled power, and a posture of peace. It was used to describe a powerful horse that has been trained, a king who rules with compassion, and a person who has every right to strike back but instead chooses mercy. Gentleness isn’t about lack of force but about choosing a better way because you belong to God and are led by His Spirit.
A gentle person speaks the truth, but kindly. A gentle person is strong, but refuses to crush others. A gentle person is wise, but refuses to boast. A gentle person has convictions, but refuses to condemn others when their convictions differ. A gentle person could retaliate, but refuses to be vengeful. Gentleness is a divine paradox because the stronger you are in Christ, the gentler you become.
Jesus, of course, is the perfect example of gentleness. In Matthew 11:29, He said, “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” This is the core of Christ’s character. He is powerful enough to calm storms, raise the dead, and cast out demons, yet tender enough to gather children in His arms, touch lepers with compassion, and restore the broken with mercy.
Think of His encounter with the woman caught in adultery (John 8:1-11). Jesus had every right to condemn her according to the law. He had perfect moral authority. But instead, He stooped down, silenced the accusers, and spoke words that healed: “Neither do I condemn you… Go now and leave your life of sin.” This is gentleness; it is truth with love, holiness with compassion, strength with tenderness. Jesus didn’t excuse sin; He transformed sinners through mercy.
Just as with the other fruit of the Spirit, gentleness is not optional. It is a command of Scripture, an evidence of the Spirit’s work, and essential for Christian witness. Our gentleness makes the gospel believable (see Philippians 4:5) because it is a countercultural testimony to the work that God has done in our lives.
Gentleness reflects spiritual maturity. Spiritual maturity isn’t measured by how much Scripture you know, how long you’ve been in church, or how many ministries you lead; it is measured by resemblance to Christ. If we claim to follow a gentle Savior, we must allow His character to be formed in us.
It’s important to note that gentleness is not being a pushover, avoiding difficult conversations, letting harmful behavior continue, pretending everything is fine, or sacrificing truth for peace. Gentleness does not mean you never say “no,” never confront sin, or never set boundaries. Jesus did all those things, and He was perfectly gentle. Gentleness is a posture we choose to guide our strength into appropriate channels.
Like the other fruit of the Spirit, gentleness cannot be produced by sheer willpower. It grows in us as the Holy Spirit forms Christ within us. But we can incorporate some practices in our lives to help cultivate this gift.
We can slow our reactions and practice restraint, pausing long enough to let the Holy Spirit guide how we respond to situations (see James 1:19). We should always look for the image of God in others, which helps us to treat others as sacred, even when they frustrate us, disagree with us, or behave poorly. We should practice gentle speech (see Colossians 4:6), offering correction with compassion, confronting others only with love and care, being quick to apologize, and speaking words that build up rather than tear down.
Gentleness grows when we practice it in our relationships, and it is a lifelong journey. Think about who may be requiring more gentleness from you in your life. Where should you respond with compassion rather than irritation? Who needs more of the Spirit’s gentleness to flow from your life into theirs?
This week, walk in step with the gentleness of the Holy Spirit, so that the world will see Christ in us through our gentleness.
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“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
- Galatians 5:22-23
Faithfulness is a simple word, but it can often be a rare characteristic to find in our world today. Commitments are easily broken, promises often go unkept, loyalty bends when it becomes inconvenient, and truth gets changed to fit what we want to believe. Our world does not celebrate faithfulness in the way talent, charisma, or success are. But in God’s Kingdom, faithfulness is a pillar of spiritual maturity.
Faithfulness is consistency in a world of inconsistency, being steadfast when others drift. It is integrity when compromise tempts, it is loyalty when walking away feels easier, and it is one of the clearest reflections of the God we serve.
The Greek word for faithfulness has meaning nuances that include trustworthiness, reliability, loyalty, steadfast commitment, integrity, dependability, and confidence in God. Faithfulness means you can be counted on, not because of your own strength, but because your life is anchored in the unchanging character of God. Faithfulness is not just about what we believe, but how we live what we believe.
Faithfulness begins with how God demonstrates His faithfulness. Scripture tells us of God’s faithfulness in many places. “Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations. The Lord is trustworthy in all he promises and faithful in all he does” (Psalm 145:13). “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22-23). “If we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself.” (2 Timothy 2:13).
Because God is faithful, He is unchanging, reliable, steady, consistent, unconditional, and eternal. He never forgets His promises, never breaks His word, never abandons His people, and never stops loving us. God’s faithfulness is the foundation for ours; we are faithful because He is faithful first.
Jesus demonstrated faithfulness during His life on earth. He was always faithful to His Father’s will, faithful in teaching truth, faithful in obedience even to death, faithful in loving the broken, faithful to the mission of redemption, faithful in prayer, faithful in compassion, and faithful in sacrifice. Even when His closest friends failed, fled, or denied Him, Jesus remained faithful. Jesus is a great example for us to look at to see what faithful and steadfast love truly looks like.
How can we live out faithfulness in our everyday lives? We should first be faithful to God by consistently spending time in Scripture, developing a life of prayer, obeying His Word even when it’s difficult, worshiping not just on Sundays, but with our whole lives, trusting Him in trials, not just in blessings, and staying committed when feelings fluctuate. Faithfulness is choosing God again and again, not based on our ever-changing emotions but on our convictions.
Next, we should be faithful in our relationships with those around us. That means keeping your word, being dependable, showing up in both good times and hard times, being consistent rather than unpredictable, loving with commitment, protecting trust rather than breaking it, and encouraging instead of abandoning. This will build strong friendships and help our communities thrive.
Finally, we should be faithful in the daily responsibilities we have. God cares deeply about how we steward what He has entrusted to us: our work, our finances, our time, our gifts and talents, our influence, and our service in the church. Faithfulness means doing what is right even when no one sees, applauds, or rewards you. Faithfulness is often not glamorous, but it is transformative.
However, all of that definitely seems easier said than done! Our culture generally prefers instant results over long-term obedience. Feelings are often a higher priority than commitments. Convenience is idolized. Self-discipline is difficult because we have been trained to dislike and avoid any kind of discomfort. When things get hard, we often doubt rather than reminding ourselves of God’s faithfulness and how we should imitate that. Faithfulness requires perseverance, self-control, and trust in God’s timing.
Just as with all the other fruit of the Spirit, we cannot manufacture it by willpower alone. We need the Holy Spirit to produce in us what the flesh resists.
While the world celebrates what is flashy and fast, Scripture celebrates what is faithful and enduring. God values faithfulness over giftedness, obedience over achievement, consistency over recognition, and devotion over talent. Faithfulness may not always be seen by others, but it is always seen by God. We should all strive to be told, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21).
Strive to be faithful in the small things; small obedience grows into lifelong devotion. Perfection is not the goal but rather consistency – keep showing up, even when you mess up. Keep your word to the best of your ability, and take responsibility when you break it. Our faithfulness should be anchored in God and who He is, not in our own actions. It’s our job to strive for obedience to God, and He will handle the rest.
This forum is meant to foster discussion and allow for differing viewpoints to be explored with equal and respectful consideration. All comments are moderated and any foul language or threatening/abusive comments will not be approved. Users who engage in threatening or abusive comments which are physically harmful in nature will be reported to the authorities.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
- Galatians 5:22-23
The world talks a lot about being “a good person” – good intentions, good vibes, do what feels good. But Biblical goodness is something much deeper, richer, and more transformative.
Goodness in Scripture isn’t just about being morally upright; it is a life shaped by God, directed toward others, and committed to doing what is right even when it is hard, unpopular, unnoticed, or costly. Goodness is the active expression of righteousness and truth. It is love in its moral and ethical form; it is love that acts in integrity.
The Greek word used in Galatians 5:22 is a word used rarely in Greek literature because it refers to goodness that is found only in God and produced by God. Biblical goodness includes moral integrity, uprightness of heart, a passion for righteousness and truth, generosity that reflects God’s heart, courage to stand for what is right, and compassion in action. Goodness is not passive but rather pushes back darkness and chooses righteousness, even at personal cost.
Before we can live out goodness, we must recognize that it comes from God. Psalm 107:1 says, “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.” James 1:17 says, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” God isn’t just good at times; He is goodness itself. His nature defines what is good, not culture, emotions, or personal preference.
Just like with the other fruit of the Spirit, we don’t practice goodness to earn God’s love. We practice goodness because we have experienced His goodness first.
Jesus was the embodiment of goodness on Earth. He healed the sick, fed the hungry, protected the vulnerable, spoke truth boldly, chose obedience over comfort, forgave those who accused and crucified Him, and sacrificed Himself to save us. His goodness wasn’t soft or sentimental; it was holy, courageous, and costly. It confronted sin while extending mercy and hope. To follow Jesus is to let His goodness reshape our hearts and actions.
Goodness matters in our world because we live in a time when moral lines are blurred, where values shift with opinion polls and personal desires. “Good” can be redefined to mean “whatever makes me happy.” But Scripture anchors us: “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter.” (Isaiah 5:20). God’s goodness gives us moral clarity in a morally confused age. It reminds us there there is truth, and true standards of right and wrong do exist.
We don’t need dramatic moments to practice goodness; we need daily surrender and Spirit-led obedience. Goodness is part of our Christian witness, as our actions can point people to Christ or away from Him. Perhaps goodness looks like choosing honestly when a little white lie would be easier. It may look like standing up for someone being mistreated. It may look like being secretly generous without getting praised. It may look like being reliable and trustworthy. Goodness is seeing every interaction as a chance to reflect the goodness of God.
But, goodness isn’t always comfortable. Sometimes it means saying no when you want to say yes, or speaking the truth in love when staying silent is more comfortable. Goodness means refusing to participate in harmful behavior. It means obeying God even when people misunderstand you. Goodness requires courage and conviction in being a follower of Jesus.
That may sound difficult, if not impossible, and it is – by human standards. But the Holy Spirit strengthens us to live lives that show others God’s goodness. We cannot bear this fruit on our own; it is the Spirit’s fruit, showing in our lives.
We can intentionally cultivate goodness by staying rooted in Scripture, because God’s Word is the true guide for what is good. We need to guard our hearts, as goodness flows from within; what we allow into our minds shapes our character. We need to practice integrity in small things because when we are faithful in little things, we will also be faithful in big things (Luke 16:10). We should ask God for help to purify our motives to reflect His goodness, and then seek accountability from those around us to continue living out God’s goodness.
Where have you experienced God’s goodness recently? Who in your life needs to see and feel the goodness of God through your actions?
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“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
- Galatians 5:22-23
The virtue of kindness sounds simple until we try to live it out consistently. We admire it in others and we expect it from others, but practicing genuine kindness day after day, toward every person, especially when it costs us, reveals just how supernatural this fruit truly is. Kindness is not niceness alone, nor is it forced politeness or artificial sweetness. Biblical kindness is strength wrapped in compassion, truth delivered with grace, and love expressed in action. Kindness is the visible, tangible expression of God’s love flowing through us.
The Greek word for kindness here has connotations of goodness with tenderness, benevolence in action, grace in motion, a posture of compassion, generosity, and goodwill, and a spirit that looks for ways to bless and build up. Kindness is love in action. Kindness is expressed through gentle words, helpful actions, thoughtful responses, compassionate attitudes, encouragement, comfort, hospitality, generosity, and mercy, even when not deserved. Kindness is not just feeling sympathetic emotions, but rather doing something about it.
It is important to remember that everything God asks of us (and the Spirit produces in us), He first demonstrates toward us. Scripture repeatedly highlights God’s incredible kindness. His kindness leads us to repentance (Romans 2:4). He saves us through His kindness in Christ (Titus 3:4-5). He shows immeasurable riches of His grace and kindness (Ephesians 2:7). His kindness is unfailing and everlasting (Jeremiah 31:3).
That is the kindness we are called to reflect to others. We do not show kindness to earn God’s love, but because we have already received His limitless kindness. Kindness is worship modeled after our Father.
Jesus didn’t say the world would know us by our opinions, theology, or church attendance. He said, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35). Real love must be expressed, and kindness is one of its clearest expressions. When Christians are unkind, our witness is wounded. But when Christians are consistently kind, hearts soften, doors open, and Christ becomes visible.
The world answers insult with insult, anger with anger, and hardness with hardness. But Jesus showed us a better way: “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you” (Luke 6:27). Kindness has the power to interrupt cycles of bitterness and create new pathways of peace. It turns conflict into an opportunity for grace. Churches, families, workplaces, and friendships thrive not when everyone is perfect but when kindness makes room for imperfection. Kindness helps us bridge misunderstandings, and it encourages maturity in our relationships. Where kindness abounds, community flourishes.
Practicing kindness, through the power of the Holy Spirit living in us, changes our hearts. It humbles us and turns our ears to God’s voice. It aligns our hearts with His love. Kindness is not just something we do; it’s someone we become as the Spirit forms Christ in us.
But it is also important to know what kindness is not. Kindness is not niceness without truth; it does not avoid hard conversations but approaches them gently and lovingly. Kindness is not embracing harmful behavior or excusing sin; it offers grace and truth. Kindness is not just being a people pleaser, seeking affirmation, but seeking the good of others to glorify God. Kindness is not just random acts without a continuing relationship of blessing others.
No one embodied kindness more perfectly than Jesus. He touched lepers no one would touch. He welcomed children others dismissed. He defended the broken, the shamed, and the overlooked. He restored dignity to the outcast and hope to the sinner. He spoke truth that healed instead of crushed. He laid down His life for those who rejected Him. Jesus did not show kindness from a distance, but He entered pain, noticed needs, stopped for individuals, and gave Himself fully. Following Jesus is to follow His example of radical, compassionate kindness.
True, Biblical kindness cannot be manufactured by willpower, but it is a fruit produced by the Holy Spirit. The Spirit grows kindness in us as we abide in Christ, allow God to transform our thoughts, pray for a compassionate heart, and slow down and take notice of those around us and how we can fill their needs in truth and love. Kindness grows through practice and faithfulness.
Unfortunately, several forces war against kindness in our hearts. Self-centeredness focuses on our needs, not others’. Busyness hinders kindness by not allowing time for it in our lives. Frustration and stress obstruct kindness because we are not at peace with God. Judgment of others causes us to withhold kindness when we think others don’t deserve it. To overcome these obstacles, we must draw daily from God’s kindness toward us. We love because He first loved us, and we show kindness because He first showed kindness to us.
Kindness may seem simple, but it is holy work. Every act of kindness is a seed of the Kingdom, and every kind act testifies to the power of the Spirit and the love of God in our lives. Pray and ask how you can make the love of Jesus tangible to those around you.
This forum is meant to foster discussion and allow for differing viewpoints to be explored with equal and respectful consideration. All comments are moderated and any foul language or threatening/abusive comments will not be approved. Users who engage in threatening or abusive comments which are physically harmful in nature will be reported to the authorities.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
- Galatians 5:22-23
We live in a world where instant results are expected. We want fast answers, fast progress, fast resolutions, and even fast spiritual growth. But God often forms His deepest work in us through waiting, through enduring, and through bearing with one another in love. That is why the fourth fruit of the Spirit, forbearance, is so necessary and so challenging.
In many translations, this word is given as “patience.” But the NIV uses forbearance, a term that reminds us that biblical patience is not just about waiting for circumstances to change; it is also about bearing with people, enduring difficult seasons, and continuing in love even when it costs us something.
Patience and forbearance are closely related virtues, but they emphasize different aspects of how we endure difficulty. Patience is the ability to endure delay, difficulty, or suffering without becoming angry, anxious, or frustrated. It focuses on an internal attitude and emotional endurance. Forbearance is defined as self-controlled restraint in the face of provocation; choosing not to react harshly when you could. It focuses on external restraint and relational grace. You show patience when your plans are delayed; you show forbearance when someone offends you, and you respond with grace instead of anger.
The Greek word behind “forbearance” in this passage, makrothumia, has meanings of long-suffering, enduring without giving up, having patience with people who test us, being slow to anger and slow to retaliate, and steadily trusting in God's timing, even under pressure. Forbearance is not passive. It is spiritual strength under control. It does not react quickly in frustration. It does not rush God’s timing. It does not give up on people or walk away at the first sign of inconvenience.
Before we try to create forbearance in our own strength, we must start by remembering that God has shown immeasurable forbearance toward us. Scripture makes this abundantly clear. God is slow to anger and abounding in love, not treating us as our sins deserve (Psalm 103:8-10). He bears with us patiently to lead us to repentance (Romans 2:4). He waits for us to turn to Him (2 Peter 3:9). He forgives again and again (Nehemiah 9:17).
God does not give up on us. He forbears, He endures, He waits, and He loves. When we practice forbearance, we mirror His heart. We do not show forbearance to earn God’s favor, but because we have already received His grace so lavishly. True forbearance is worship – living out a reflection of the patience God has shown us.
Forbearance is not just a nice attitude; it is essential for spiritual maturity. Forbearance builds Christlike character, as God uses waiting, endurance, and difficulties in life to shape us. Romans 5:3-4 shows the progression clearly; we move from suffering to perseverance to character to hope. The Holy Spirit cultivates deep roots in us through seasons that stretch our faith.
Forbearance also sustains relationships, whether marriage, parenting, or friendships and church community. All relationships require patience and forbearance with the other person, continuing to love them even when it’s challenging.
Forbearance is a witness to Jesus in our lives, because the world is watching how Christians respond when tested. It’s easy to be patient when things in life are cooperating and going how we want them to, but when the Spirit produces forbearance in us, that is demonstrated through unexpected inconveniences, dealing with people who irritate us, disappointments, delayed answers, and other trials in life. When we respond to pressure with grace, we testify to the power of Christ within us.
When the Spirit produces forbearance in our lives, we see it in our life circumstances, with other people, and with ourselves. Sometimes, God answers our requests quickly, but other times, His answer is “not yet,” and we need to wait on Him. Our patience with God’s timing will be rewarded when we eventually see why God made us wait for that period of time. Some people test our patience in various ways, and we need to practice forbearance with them. This does not excuse sin or avoid necessary boundaries, but it chooses mercy over irritation and grace over harshness. We also need to practice forbearance with ourselves, since we are often our own worst critics. We want instant spiritual maturity, but God doesn’t work that way. Forbearance with ourselves means trusting the process, surrendering our timeline, and experiencing God’s grace for our imperfections.
We see many examples of forbearance in the Bible. Abraham and Sarah waited decades for the promise of a child. Joseph endured betrayal, injustice, and years in prison. Moses waited and led a difficult people with great restraint. Hannah endured barrenness with humility and prayer. David waited years to become king, refusing to force God’s hand to make it happen sooner. Jesus showed ultimate forbearance, enduring humanity’s brokenness, betrayal, and the cross.
Each story shows the same truth: that God forms greatness in seasons of waiting and enduring. If God is stretching you, He is strengthening you. If He is making you wait, He is preparing you for something big.
The Holy Spirit grows forbearance as we root ourselves in Scripture, pray for the Spirit to help us, practice slowing down, and trust God’s timing. We can try practicing forbearance in small moments, by pausing before responding when irritated, praying instead of complaining, and giving people extra grace.
Forbearance is not weakness; it is Spirit-empowered endurance. We don't develop this fruit by trying harder, but we grow it by staying close to Jesus.
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“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
- Galatians 5:22-23
We live in a world where it feels like anxiety is the air we breathe. Stress is normal. Worry is expected. Restlessness has become a way of life. People long for peace, but most only know how to chase temporary relief, whether a vacation, a distraction, a quick fix, or a moment of quiet that disappears as soon as life presses in again.
But the peace of God, the next fruit of the Spirit, is not a fragile escape from life’s pressures. It is a supernatural calm that holds steady in the midst of the storm. Jesus promised this kind of peace in John 14:27: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” The world gives peace by removing problems, but Jesus gives peace in the middle of them.
Biblical peace is more than the absence of conflict or inner calm; it is wholeness, harmony, and spiritual well-being. The Hebrew word shalom, often translated as peace, carries a sense of completeness, a soul secure in the care of God.
In Philippians 4:7, the Apostle Paul describes it like this: “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Peace transcends understanding; it doesn’t always make sense. Peace guards your heart and mind; it defends against fear and anxiety. Peace is rooted in Christ Jesus, not in circumstances. With the true peace of God, you can be surrounded by chaos and still stand calm. You can be in the middle of uncertainty and still feel secure. You can face loss and grief and yet not collapse because God is holding you.
But peace isn't something we manufacture; it is something God gives. It flows from knowing who He is, believing what He has promised, and trusting His heart even when we do not understand His ways. Before we can experience the peace of God, we must first receive peace with God, which is restored through the salvation that is only found through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Once we have peace from God, then we can begin to experience relational peace with others. This fruit of the Spirit not only calms our hearts toward God, but also softens our hearts toward people. Romans 12:18 tells us, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” We cannot control other people’s responses, but we can control ours. Spirit-filled peace reconciles, forgives, listens, and seeks unity over winning arguments.
But if peace is a gift from God, why do so many believers struggle to live in it? Because peace is constantly attacked by fear when we are not fully trusting in God for all things. Fear gets us to ask the questions, “What if this goes wrong? What if God doesn’t come through?” Our sin disrupts peace in our lives. Anything that separates us from God also separates us from His true peace in our lives. When peace feels distant, the Holy Spirit invites us to come near to God; not to try harder in our own strength, but to surrender more deeply.
The peace of God is not just comfort; it is direction and protection. In Colossians 3:15, Paul writes: “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” The word “rule” has the idea of acting like an umpire. Peace can be a signal for us as we live our lives. When peace fills your heart, move forward. When peace withdraws, pause and seek God. The Spirit’s peace is often God’s way of guiding us.
In a frightened, anxious world, peace can also be powerful evangelism. A peaceful Christian stands out. Others may panic, but you are trusting God. Others may complain, but you give thanks for what God is doing in the midst of difficulties. Others may lash out in anger, but you respond with gentleness. Others may crumble under burdens, but you remain steady in Christ. People notice these things. When we live with Spirit-filled peace, the world sees something different in us – they see Jesus.
But there are seasons in life when peace feels distant or maybe even impossible. But having God’s peace does not mean we never struggle; it means that God is present in the struggle. Sometimes the most powerful peace is not a feeling, but a decision to trust God no matter what. Our emotions may go up and down like a roller coaster, but our faith in Christ holds us steady and will bring us to that place of peace.
While peace is a fruit of the Spirit, we can actively participate in cultivating it. We can pursue peace by fixing our minds on God. When we focus on God and trust Him, we will shut out the worries of this world and experience His peace. We can also counteract anxiety through prayer, building that relationship with God, and handing over our burdens to Him. Meditating on Scripture, practicing gratitude, and even intentionally resting and spending time with God will also encourage the Spirit’s peace in our lives.
Where is your heart restless today? What is one step you can take today to slow down and rest in God’s presence? Who in your life needs peace that you can help bring through prayer, forgiveness, or encouragement?
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“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
- Galatians 5:22-23
Everyone wants to be happy. From motivational speakers to lifestyle influencers, the world is filled with voices promising the secret to lasting happiness. But as soon as one desire is fulfilled, another takes its place. Happiness becomes a moving target, dependent on circumstances that are always changing. But joy, the second on the list of fruit of the Spirit, is something entirely different. Joy is not the same as happiness. Happiness is an emotion; joy is a condition of the heart. Happiness depends on what happens to us; joy depends on who lives within us.
Christian joy is not blind optimism or denial of pain. It is the deep, abiding confidence that God is in control and that His goodness will prevail, no matter what. It is a settled assurance that our lives are held by hands that will never let go. That’s why joy can exist even in sorrow, even in suffering, even when everything else seems to fall apart. The Holy Spirit doesn’t produce joy by changing our circumstances. He produces joy by changing our perspective.
The world’s version of joy is fragile because it depends on things we can’t control. But the joy of the Spirit flows from a relationship that never changes, our relationship with God. Jesus said, “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete” (John 15:11). This isn’t human joy; it’s divine joy.
Hebrews 12:2 tells us about Jesus, “For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame…” How could Jesus have joy in the face of suffering? Because His joy was rooted in His Father’s will and the salvation that His sacrifice would bring. His joy came not from comfort, but from purpose. In the same way, the Holy Spirit gives us joy when we’re anchored in God’s presence and purpose. When we know that God is with us and working through every circumstance, we can face life with confidence and gratitude.
While joy is a fruit the Spirit produces, it also requires our cooperation. Joy grows when we choose to trust God’s goodness, even when our emotions or circumstances tell us otherwise. The Apostle Paul didn’t write the words of Philippians, especially Philippians 4:4-7, from a nice vacation; he wrote them from prison. Yet his letter to the Philippians is often called “the letter of joy.” How could Paul rejoice while chained to a guard in awful circumstances? Because his joy wasn’t chained to his situation, it was anchored to his Savior. Joy is not pretending everything is fine; it’s proclaiming that God is still good no matter what.
There’s a kind of joy the world can manufacture: the joy of success, accomplishment, love, and beauty. These are good gifts from God, and they can bring real delight. But they’re temporary. When the gift fades, the joy fades with it. Spiritual joy, however, is supernatural. It’s the joy that remains when everything else is stripped away. Spiritual joy doesn’t always look like laughter or a constant smile. Sometimes it looks like quiet peace in the storm, or gratitude in the small things, or hope when everything feels hopeless.
When we allow the Spirit to fill us, joy becomes a lens that helps us see the world differently. Problems become opportunities to trust. Delays become invitations to wait on God. Hardships become the soil where deeper joy can grow.
But if the Holy Spirit produces joy in us, why do we so often lose it? This world has many joy-stealers in it. The root of all joy-stealers, of course, is the sin that we all commit and experience in this world. It separates us from God and the true joy that we can experience through His Spirit. Comparison and measuring our lives against others is another way to lose our joy. We focus on what we lack rather than what we have. Worry is the enemy of joy because it shifts our gaze from God’s faithfulness to our fears. A lack of gratitude also steals our joy; gratitude for what God has done for us always brings gratitude.
If joy is a fruit, it grows with care and intention. We can cultivate it in our lives by staying rooted in God’s Word, praying with gratitude, praising God even in (or especially in) the difficult times, serving others, and spending time in Christian community with other believers.
A Spirit-filled life marked by joy is one of the most powerful witnesses to the world. Our joy is countercultural. When believers live with genuine, Spirit-born joy, people notice. They wonder how it’s possible. The joy of the Spirit draws people to Christ because it demonstrates the reality of His presence. It says, “There’s something more and something deeper than what this world can give.” As 1 Peter 1:8 says, “Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy.”
To live with Spirit-filled joy means walking through life with a quiet confidence that God is good, that His promises are true, and that His presence is enough. It doesn’t mean you’ll never feel sadness, stress, or frustration. But it does mean those feelings no longer define you. Joy gives you resilience. It lets you endure trials with hope, love people generously, and find beauty in brokenness.
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“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
- Galatians 5:22-23
When Paul wrote to the Galatians, he was addressing a community caught in the tension between the law and grace, between what people could produce on their own and what God desired to produce within them. In that context, Paul gave one of the most beautiful and practical lists in all of Scripture: the fruit of the Spirit.
These nine characteristics are not individual fruits we pick and choose from, nor are they goals we achieve through sheer willpower. They are one singular fruit displayed in different ways, the natural result of the Holy Spirit’s presence and work in the life of a believer. A person walking closely with the Spirit naturally bears love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
Love is not just the first in the list. It is the foundation upon which all the other fruits grow. Without love, joy becomes self-centered happiness. Without love, peace becomes mere comfort. Without love, patience becomes passive endurance. Love gives meaning, purpose, and strength to every other fruit of the Spirit.
The word “love” today can feel overused and underdefined. We say we love pizza, we love our pets, we love our favorite TV shows, and in the same breath, we might say we love our family or God. The English word love covers everything from affection to desire to admiration. But in the original Greek, the word Paul uses is agapē, a selfless, sacrificial, unconditional love. It is not a love that depends on feelings, circumstances, or reciprocity. It is the love that chooses to seek the good of others, even when it costs us something.
Agapē love is the love that characterizes God Himself, as in 1 John 4:7-8. God’s very nature is love. Everything He does flows from this reality: His creation, His redemption, His patience, His discipline, His mercy. When His Spirit lives in us, that same love begins to grow in our hearts and express itself in how we relate to others. Love is not something we manufacture; it’s something God cultivates in us through His Spirit.
But before we can love others, we have to understand that love begins with God’s love for us. “We love because he first loved us” (1 John 4:19). This is where many Christians struggle. We know in our heads that God loves us, but we often live as if we have to earn His approval. We try to be “good Christians” to stay in His favor, but that mindset leads to striving, exhaustion, and guilt.
The fruit of love grows only when we rest in the soil of grace, when we fully accept that God loves us not because of who we are, but because of who He is. God loved us while we were still sinners (Romans 5:8). His love is unfailing and steadfast (Psalm 136). Nothing can separate us from His love (Romans 8:38-39). When we truly believe this, it transforms how we see ourselves and others. We no longer have to prove our worth or compete for love. Instead, we become free to love others as we have been loved, generously, graciously, and unconditionally.
That’s why the first fruit of the Spirit is love. Everything begins with receiving God’s love. Paul describes this kind of love more fully in 1 Corinthians 13, a passage often read at weddings but written for the church as a whole. Read more about that here. Love is not measured by what we say or how we feel, but by how we treat others, especially those who are hard to love. Loving others in this way is not natural. It goes against our instincts to protect ourselves, get even, or seek recognition. That’s why it’s called the fruit of the Spirit, not the fruit of human effort.
In John 13:35, Jesus told His followers that love would be their defining mark. Notice that He didn’t say people will know we are His followers by our theology, our worship style, or our moral stances. He said love would be the unmistakable evidence of our faith. In a world filled with division, hatred, and self-interest, genuine love stands out like light in the darkness.
The early church was known for this kind of radical love. They cared for the sick during plagues, shared food with the poor, welcomed strangers, and treated slaves and masters as equals in Christ. Their love turned the world upside down, and it still can today. Imagine what would happen if the church truly lived out the fruit of love in every community, workplace, and family.
So how do we cultivate this fruit in our lives? First, we should abide in God’s Word. Scripture reveals the character of God and reminds us of His love. The more we meditate on His truth, the more our hearts align with His. Next, we should ask the Holy Spirit daily to fill us with love – not the world’s definition, but God’s. The Spirit delights to answer that prayer. We should practice forgiveness and serve one another, especially those who cannot repay us.
Love cannot grow in isolation. We need the body of Christ – people who challenge us, comfort us, and help us learn how to love in real life. The fruit of love isn’t meant to stay theoretical or reserved for church. It’s meant to show up in the ordinary rhythms of life. Every act of love, no matter how small, becomes a testimony to God’s transforming grace. Love becomes a way of life, a movement of the Holy Spirit flowing through us into the world around us.
As we begin this journey through the fruit of the Spirit, remember that love is not simply the first virtue in a list, but it is the root from which all the others grow. Without love, the Christian life becomes empty duty. But with love, even the smallest actions become sacred. When we walk in love, we walk in the very nature of God.
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As soon as I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, because I have decided to winter there. Do everything you can to help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way and see that they have everything they need. Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order to provide for urgent needs and not live unproductive lives.
Everyone with me sends you greetings. Greet those who love us in the faith.
Grace be with you all.
- Titus 3:12-15
The book of Titus ends in what may look like a simple farewell. Paul gives travel plans, names a few companions, and closes with greetings. At first glance, these verses might seem unremarkable compared to the powerful doctrinal and practical truths earlier in the letter. But as we’ve seen throughout Titus, every word is inspired and intentional. Even in Paul’s closing words, there are deep lessons for the church.
This final passage of the letter gives us a glimpse into the everyday rhythms of early Christian community and mission. It highlights the importance of faithful people working together, the call to generous support of gospel workers, the priority of living productive lives of service, and the unifying power of grace. For the church today, these verses are not merely historical footnotes but living instructions.
In verse 12, Paul reveals his strategy. He plans to send either Artemas or Tychicus to relieve Titus, freeing him to join Paul at Nicopolis. This verse underscores a vital truth: gospel ministry is a team effort. Paul depended on co-workers, not only to spread the gospel but also to encourage one another.
Artemas is otherwise unknown in Scripture, yet Paul trusted him enough to send him to Crete, a difficult mission field. Tychicus, however, appears several times in Paul’s letters as a faithful messenger and servant (see Ephesians 6:21 and Colossians 4:7). Whether well-known or obscure, both were useful to Paul and to Christ. Also, notice Paul’s desire for fellowship. He wanted Titus with him during the winter months, likely for mutual encouragement, planning, and prayer. Ministry is not just about tasks but about relationships.
The church today must remember that ministry is never a solo mission. Pastors, leaders, and laypeople alike need co-laborers. Churches should cultivate partnerships, not competition, across congregations and denominations. Every believer, whether more in the spotlight like Tychicus or relatively unknown like Artemas, has a vital role in God’s work. Do not underestimate your place in the Kingdom. Leaders should prioritize not only work but also relationships – spending intentional time encouraging and strengthening one another in Christ, to build this community of co-laborers.
In verse 13, Paul emphasizes the responsibility of the church to provide for traveling missionaries and teachers. Zenas, possibly trained in Roman law or Jewish law, and Apollos, the eloquent preacher from Alexandria (Acts 18:24-28), were evidently on mission. Paul urges Titus and the church in Crete to ensure they are well-supplied. This highlights the biblical principle of supporting those who labor in teaching and spreading the gospel. Ministry requires practical provisions like food, lodging, travel expenses, and encouragement. Gospel partnership involves generosity.
Churches should be eager to support missionaries, pastors, and Christian workers, not minimally but generously, ensuring they “have everything they need.” We as believers should ask ourselves, How am I partnering financially, prayerfully, and practically in the advance of the gospel? Support goes beyond just money. Hosting, encouragement, prayer, and friendship are invaluable gifts to those serving in ministry.
Verse 14 ties the whole letter together. Throughout this letter, Paul has emphasized “doing what is good” (see 1:16, 2:7,14, and 3:1,8). Here, he reinforces the point: believers must be devoted to doing good, not just casually interested. Why? To meet urgent needs and avoid unproductive lives. The believers in Crete faced a culture of laziness and dishonesty (1:12). Paul calls them to a countercultural lifestyle of service, productivity, and usefulness for Christ.
Good works are not the means of salvation (Paul has already stressed that salvation is by grace in various places), but they are the evidence of salvation. Productive Christian living means putting faith into action in tangible ways. Churches should regularly teach believers to be intentional in meeting urgent needs in their communities, whether poverty, loneliness, injustice, or disaster relief. Christians should evaluate their lives: Am I living productively for Christ, or am I wasting my time and energy on trivial pursuits? Productivity in Scripture is not about worldly success but kingdom fruitfulness: lives touched, needs met, and people pointed to Christ.
Paul ends with greetings and a blessing in verse 15. These simple words reflect the warmth of Christian fellowship. The gospel binds believers together across geography, culture, and background. Paul’s final prayer is for grace – the same grace that saved, sustains, and empowers the church. Notice Paul greets not just leaders but “those who love us in the faith.” The church is not an institution but a family, united by love in Christ. And grace, not law or performance, has the last word.
The Church must cultivate authentic relationships, marked by love for all who are in Christ. Believers should regularly encourage one another with words of grace. The church should be a community where people are refreshed, not drained. Grace should shape not only the beginning of our faith journey but the ongoing life of the church.
The closing verses of Titus remind us that even the “ordinary” parts of Scripture are filled with extraordinary wisdom. This passage calls us to invest in relationships, practice radical generosity, live productive lives, and embrace grace in all we do. May God’s grace empower us to live productive, fruitful, Christ-centered lives until the day we see Him face to face.
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Warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them. You may be sure that such people are warped and sinful; they are self-condemned.
- Titus 3:10-11
Every church, no matter its size, faces challenges in relationships. While the gospel calls us to unity in Christ, human pride, selfishness, and stubbornness often create conflict. Some disagreements are normal and can even be healthy when handled with humility and love. But what happens when conflict hardens into division, and a person refuses to repent?
Paul gave a warning against these in verse 9 just before this: “But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless.” Now, after that warning, Paul gives clear instructions to Titus about handling divisive people in the church. His words remind us that unity in the body of Christ is precious, fragile, and worth protecting.
What does “divisive” mean? The Greek word Paul uses is the root of our English word “heretic.” In this context, it refers not only to false teachers but also to anyone who stubbornly chooses their own path and rejects correction. Such a person creates factions, stirs division, and threatens the unity of the church. This doesn’t describe someone who simply has questions, wrestles with doubt, or disagrees respectfully on secondary matters. A divisive person is someone who refuses correction, promotes their own agenda over the gospel, stirs conflict intentionally, and puts themselves above the unity of the body.
Division is a serious issue because it undermines the witness of the church. Jesus prayed in John 17 that His followers would be one, so that the world may believe. The gospel message is obscured when the church is torn apart by factions and quarrels. Paul repeatedly warns against division, including passages like 1 Corinthians 1:10-13 and Galatians 5:19-21. For him, divisiveness is not a small issue; it’s evidence of sin and rebellion.
Paul instructs Titus to follow a clear process when dealing with divisiveness, outlined in verse 10. The first step is confrontation. A divisive person must be warned, lovingly but firmly, that their behavior is damaging the body. This warning should be clear, specific, and grounded in Scripture. The goal is repentance and restoration, not punishment.
Then, if the person refuses to listen, Paul says to warn them again. This second warning reinforces the seriousness of the matter and provides another opportunity for repentance. It reflects God’s patience and mercy; He is “not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9).
If, after two warnings, the person remains unrepentant, Paul says to “have nothing to do with them.” This echoes Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 18:15-17 about church discipline: if someone refuses to listen even to the church, “treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector.” The purpose is not cruelty but protection, guarding the church from further harm, and a last effort to bring the person to repentance by showing the seriousness of their sin.
The church is one body, and division is like a disease. Just as a doctor removes an infection to save the body, leaders sometimes must separate a divisive person to preserve the health of the church. When unbelievers see a church consumed by quarrels, they are repelled from Christ. But when they see a church that values truth, love, and unity, they are drawn to Him. Protecting against division is not just about internal harmony; it’s about the church’s mission.
Paul then gives a strong assessment in verse 11: “You may be sure that such people are warped and sinful; they are self-condemned.” The word “warped” conveys being twisted, turned from what is straight and true. A divisive person is no longer aligned with God’s truth but has distorted it for their own ends. Paul names the root issue: sinfulness. Division is not just a personality quirk; it is rebellion against God’s design for His church. But perhaps the most sobering phrase is that Paul says they condemn themselves. By persisting in sin and refusing correction, they bring judgment on their own head. The church doesn’t condemn them; their own actions do in light of God’s standards.
As believers today, we need to recognize the danger of division. In an age where individualism is celebrated, it’s easy to downplay division as a difference of opinion. But Paul calls it a serious sin. Churches today must recognize that unity is not optional; it is a gospel issue.
Paul outlines a clear process for dealing with this issue: warn, warn again, and separate if unrepentant. Churches should not skip steps, even when we are tempted to avoid confrontation out of fear or rush to separate without patience. Discipline must be carried out with love, prayer, and humility.
It is also important to remember that not everyone who disagrees is divisive. Healthy discussion, even disagreement, can build the Church. The issue is those who display stubborn, unrepentant behavior that undermines unity. Leaders must exercise discernment and avoid labeling sincere questions as divisive.
It’s easy to point fingers at others, but we must also examine ourselves. Do we contribute to unity or division? Do we promote Christ or our own agenda? Paul’s words remind us that division often begins in prideful hearts.
The Church is called to unity in Christ, but division threatens that unity. Paul instructs Titus (and us) to deal with divisive people firmly but patiently: warn once, warn again, and if unrepentant, separate. Protecting the unity of the church is not optional; it is essential for the health of the body and the witness of the gospel. By following Paul’s guidance, we can guard that unity, preserve our witness, and reflect the heart of Christ, the one who gave His life to make us one.
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This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.
But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless.
- Titus 3:8-9
In his letter to Titus, the Apostle Paul focuses on sound doctrine and practical living. The gospel is not merely an idea to be believed but a truth to be lived out. After describing God’s merciful work of salvation in Titus 3:4-7 (which you can read more about here and here), he shifts to the practical implications for the Christian community. Believers must devote themselves to good works, while at the same time avoiding divisive and fruitless disputes. For the church today, these verses speak directly to the tension we often feel between living out our faith actively in love and being distracted by arguments that do not advance God’s Kingdom.
Paul begins in verse 8 with, “This is a trustworthy saying.” This phrase likely refers back to the gospel summary in the previous verses, affirming that the message of salvation by God’s mercy, rebirth, renewal by the Spirit, and justification by grace is completely reliable. He wants Titus and the churches in Crete to hold fast to this truth without wavering. The gospel is trustworthy; the Church’s foundation is not shifting sand but solid truth.
Then Paul charges Titus, as a church leader, to emphasize the gospel truths consistently. This wasn’t to be a one-time sermon but an ongoing theme. The gospel is not just the entry point to Christianity; it is the message that must continually be stressed to keep the church healthy. Leaders today can be tempted to shift focus to what seems more practical, entertaining, or marketable. But Paul reminds us that stressing the gospel is the most practical thing we can do. When believers are grounded in what God has done, they are motivated and empowered to live faithfully.
Paul explains the purpose: “so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good.” Faith in God is not passive. True trust leads to an intentional commitment to doing good works. This is not salvation by works but salvation that leads to good works (see James 2:14-26). Doing good is not only an act of obedience to God but also a blessing to society. Christians are called to be salt and light (Matthew 5:13-16), demonstrating the goodness of God in tangible ways.
For Christ followers now, being “devoted to doing good” means more than sporadic acts of kindness. It means living with a posture of service by meeting needs, seeking justice, and extending mercy in everyday life. Churches must cultivate a culture where good works are the natural outflow of faith, not optional extras.
After urging devotion to good, Paul gives a contrast to that in verse 9: “But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless.” In the church in Crete, some false teachers were obsessed with speculative debates about genealogies (possibly Jewish myths about ancestry), arguments over the finer points of the Mosaic law, and controversies that stirred division rather than building faith. These disputes wasted time and distracted believers from living out the gospel.
We may think these things don’t apply to the Church today since we don’t get hung up on debating genealogies or the Mosaic law. But we do get sidetracked by debates that are similarly unprofitable. We have long online debates over secondary theological issues. We have division over cultural or political matters that overshadow the gospel. We may get obsessed with speculative end-times predictions or conspiracy theories. But Paul’s warning is clear: the church’s energy should not be consumed by fruitless quarrels. Our calling is not to win arguments but to live out the truth in love.
This passage from Titus calls us as believers to live in balance. On the one hand, we must be devoted to good works, actively serving, loving, and blessing others. On the other hand, we must avoid distractions that derail our mission, arguments that divide and consume energy without producing fruit. This balance is difficult. Some Christians emphasize good works but neglect doctrinal clarity. Others focus on doctrinal disputes but neglect practical love. Paul insists that both matter: sound doctrine fuels good works, and foolish disputes undermine them.
How can we work through this? First, church leaders should continually stress the gospel message, not assuming people already know it. The gospel motivates good works and keeps us from drifting into speculation. Second, we should encourage believers to see good works as a daily devotion, not occasional charity. Highlight stories of service, celebrate them, and model them. Third, we should learn and then teach others how to distinguish between core doctrines that must be defended (like salvation by grace alone) and secondary issues where disagreement is acceptable. Finally, we should promote a spirit of humility, patience, and love in the church. Unity does not mean uniformity, but it requires believers to stay focused on Christ rather than peripheral controversies.
This passage presents a vision for the Christian life that is both simple and difficult at the same time: stress the gospel, devote yourselves to doing good, and avoid distractions that are unprofitable and useless. For the Church today, these words are an important reminder. We live in a world where endless debates, controversies, and distractions threaten to consume our attention. But Paul directs us back to what matters: grounding ourselves in the trustworthy gospel and expressing that faith through good works that bless everyone. This is the kind of church the world needs to see today.
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