What does Titus 3:2 mean?

Verse 2 continues the list of commands Titus is to "remind" believers of. Verse 1 included three commands; verse 2 adds four more. First, believers are not to gossip or tear others down with words. Second, they are to avoid arguments—to "be peaceable," or "avoid quarreling." Bickering was a major reason for Paul's concern regarding the churches on Crete. False teachers argued that Christians had to be circumcised and obey the Mosaic Law. This problem was so serious that, in verse 10, Paul instructs that a divisive person be cut off after a second warning.

Third, Christians were to be gentle, from the Greek term epieikeis, meaning "suitable" or "fair-minded." Believers were not to be violent, or hot-tempered, especially church leaders (1 Timothy 3:3; Titus 1:7). Fourth, believers were to extend kindness both to believers and non-believers. This kindness is a trait also described by the Hebrew term hesed (Exodus 15:13; Psalm 13:5), which means "loving-kindness." This is also one of the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23). Jesus likewise spoke of kindness to unbelievers (Matthew 5:16).