Integrity, dignity and sound speech.

Titus 2:7-8, Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us.

Much of the public perception of Christians sadly comes from a minority who are quick to condemn sin out of pride and not humility. The Holy Spirit is much more capable than I am at convicting of sin, and I like the model that Jesus gives us with the woman at the well. He clearly demonstrated His intimate knowledge of her personal shortcomings, but did not throw that up in her face. He simply engaged her, asking for a cup of water and conversing with her without condemnation. It’s all to easy to condemn something in another person that is no problem for myself! Am I willing to look beyond ungodly behavior to engage another person in a winsome way, praying that God will open their eyes and ears to the good news of Jesus Christ as He has done for me?

“Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven!”

ESV Lectionary