Titus 3:1, 2 - "Remind them [[that is: US]] to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, 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."
Men are not to be hateful and hurting one another but are to be gentle, showing meekness, that is, to respond humbly and quietly. This should be our response to authority such as the “principalities” over our geographical area or an organizational structure of the immediate government. "Powers" are the people or organizations that have the agency to act, levy taxes, levy fines or make judgments, "Magistrates" are the people warranted by principalities or powers to carry out their wishes. They are doing their job. Remember, in this country these are the ones we elected, or are put in place by the ones we elected.
Meekness is often misunderstood to mean “weakness”. Meekness has to do with not seeking to place yourself above another, it has to do with being cooperative and not being arrogant. We should not fight against the authority but be gentle, be subject, recognize the ability and validity of the authority and be loyal to the authority and obey it.
Let us remember that Jesus, despite our hurtful, hateful, and disobedient actions, came to us in love to save us. It was not by our good works that we were saved. Let us also consider that Jesus has total power over us, and it is rightfully due him. Because the magnanimity of God in saving us, we should endeavor to do good works.
