Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities,
to obey,
to be ready for every good work,
to speak evil of no one,
to avoid quarreling,
to be gentle,
and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.
For we ourselves were also once foolish,
disobedient, deceived,
serving various lusts and pleasures,
living in malice and envy,
hateful and hating one another.
But when the kindness
and the love of God our Savior
toward man appeared,
He saved us,
not because of works done by us
in righteousness,
but according to His own mercy,
through the washing of regeneration
and renewing of the Holy Spirit,
whom He poured out on us abundantly
through Jesus Christ our Savior,
that having been justified by His grace
we should become heirs
according to the hope of eternal life.
The saying is trustworthy,
and these things I want you to affirm constantly,
that those who have believed in God
should be careful to maintain good works.
These things are good and beneficial for people.
But avoid foolish controversies
and genealogies
and strife
and disputes about the Law,
for they are useless and worthless…
~ Titus 3:1-9,15