Relationships 101
Peaceable

Scripture Reading: Titus 2:1-5

Key Verse: Titus 3:1-3

Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men.
At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another.

Titus continues to challenge us as believers to improve our relationships. In our scripture for today we see the word “peaceable.” Does that word describe the relationships that you are involved in? Let’s consider its implications today.

First, peaceable should not equal denial. God never asks us to live in a state of denial when things go wrong in a relationship. We must deal with problems that come with our existence as humans. We make relational mistakes often. “Peaceable” should describe the method that we use to deal with problems. Being a peacemaker, as we are challenged to be in Jesus’ Beatitudes, is not the absence of conflict, but rather the way we deal with conflict. We can talk with those we are in relationship within tones and words that are peaceable even though they are about conflict.

Second, peaceable speaks of our priorities and values in life. Being peaceable says to all those in relationship with me, “you can be real—be yourself—and have a bad day once in a while and you are safe with me.” No one has to “walk on eggshells” around a peaceable person. It is safe to live with a peaceable person because you can know what to expect when it comes to their reactions. If we don’t say everything just right — and we seldom can — it’s OK with those who are determined to be peaceable!

Father, it’s not always easy to maintain a peaceable approach in some relationships. Thanks for your divine help in this area of my life. In Jesus’ Name, amen.