“That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience.“
— Titus 2:2 KJV
Reflection on Today's Verse
Sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled—Paul isn’t handing out a dress code; he’s sketching the shape grace carves into a life. I think of the men who quiet a room by simply being present—no show, no heat, just ballast. That’s the vibe here. Not a dour seriousness, but a steady mind that won’t be yanked around by every appetite or headline. Dignity that isn’t stiff; it’s the calm of someone forgiven. Self-control that isn’t white-knuckled; it’s desire retrained by a better love.
“Sound in faith, love, and endurance.” Notice the order? Faith roots you. Love moves you. Endurance keeps you when the wind shifts. Have I let grace age me this way, or am I still trying to impress people who aren’t watching? When anger rises, can I answer with a tempered word? When boredom tempts, do I chase noise, or sit still long enough to hear the Shepherd’s voice? I want the kind of strength that doesn’t flinch—clear eyes, soft heart, long fuse. That’s not natural; it’s new-creation normal. Christ in you, doing the heavy lifting, making you sturdy enough to carry others without breaking them.
Personal Prayer
Father of all comfort, make me steady. Let the gospel settle my mind, clothe me with quiet dignity, and teach my desires to bow to Jesus.
Grow in me a faith that holds fast, a love that risks, and an endurance that doesn’t quit when it hurts. Where I’m brittle, make me gentle; where I’m lazy, make me watchful. By Your grace, form me into someone others can lean on without fear. Amen.