Titus 1:8 but be lover of strangers, lover of good, sensible, righteous, holy, self-controlled.
Next comes the positive list of the qualities the leaders in Crete should have. The first two qualities are compound words that begin with “love” (philo). The above are literal translations. Lover of strangers (philoxenon) is usually translated as “hospitable.” Hospitality was an important and necessary practice in the early church (1 Peter 4:9) and without such generosity, much of the mission growth could not have happened. Next, the leaders must be a lover of good (philagathon). This is a wide-open invitation to embrace worthwhile and good virtues that lead to godliness. The leader should also be sensible (sōphrona) and in control of oneself. This quality lies at the foundation of many other positive behaviors given in this letter. The word is repeated in the character lists in chapter 2 (2:2, 4, 5, 6, 12). Overseers should also be fair and honest by being righteous (dikaion). They should live in obedience to God’s commands in a lifestyle that pleases him, and this should be evident in holy (hosion) living. The way to accomplish all these will come through being self-controlled (egkratē) and disciplined by controlling passions and desires and by pursing godliness.
These qualities can only come because of God’s grace. Paul will emphasize this in 2:11-14 and 3:4-7. Titus needed to look for those whose faith was leading them to be obedient to the leading of the Holy Spirit. This growth would not happen accidently. Titus would also need to teach and train the leaders so that they would take on these qualities.
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