Titus 3   As we follow sound doctrine and live sensible lives, following Paul's instructions, we will also do well to remember:

To be subject to the rulers and authorities over us.
To obey the laws of our country.
To be ready to do good deeds. 
To NOT malign anyone - to not vilify or speak evil or revile "anyone"!
To be uncontentious.
To be gentle.
To show consideration for all men. ( verses 1-2)

Why?  Because, " we also once were foolish ourselves, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures, spending our life in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another." (v3)

"But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior."  ( verses 4-6)

Paul tells the believers to be ready to do good deeds, to be careful to do good deeds, to engage in good deeds,  to learn to do good deeds... that we might be examples, that we might bear fruit, that we might be profitable to others.  Our deeds - our labor, our work, our occupation is to be "good" -  beautiful, valuable,  virtuous, honest, and worthy. 

In this season of political craziness...... when all we hear from the candidates is their maligning of one another... these words strike a chord.  We must not be like the world in these ways.  We are called to a higher standard.

Father, forgive us for failing to obey Your Word , for failing to control our tongues and to take our thoughts captive to the cause of Jesus Christ our Lord.  May we mindful of Your kindness towards us.  May we speak words of encouragement and peace.  May we do what is beautiful and honest and worthy of the calling that You have so graciously given to each of us. Oh how wonderful You are, Lord.  Thank You for saving us.  Amen ,