Titus 3

1Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work,

2to slander no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show every courtesy to all people.

3For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to all kinds of desires and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hated and hating one another.

4But when the kindness of God our Savior and his love for humanity appeared,

5he saved us, not because of righteous works we had done, but because of his mercy, through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit,

6whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior,

7so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs with the hope of eternal life.

8This saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are good and profitable for people.

9But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, strife, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and useless.

10Warn a divisive person once and then a second time, and after that have nothing more to do with him,

11knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.

12When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there.

13Do your best to send Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way, and see that they lack nothing.

14And let our people learn to devote themselves to good works in order to meet urgent needs, so that they will not be unfruitful.

15All who are with me send you greetings. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with all of you.