Paul had set Titus a difficult task: to teach the gospel and disciple new converts into a very different lifestyle - one which pleased the Lord Jesus (Titus 1:10-16).  But he knew that human nature is always resistant to change, especially when wrong behaviour patterns had been part of their lives for so long, even embedded in national characteristics and condoned by the contemporary society.  Nevertheless, the only way to establish churches in Christ is to teach people what pleases the Lord, and encourage them to change from ungodly ways (2 Timothy 4:1-5).

However, first of all, Titus was to encourage everything he saw which was godly in character and behaviour (Hebrews 3:13).  As people had their hearts changed by the grace of God, and as they started to respond to the Holy Spirit, it was important for Titus to encourage the new converts - because the world around them would certainly wish to discourage them.  As a young child thrives on encouragement when a new skill is being learned, so Christians need encouragement from the Scriptures, their leaders and other believers (1 Thessalonians 5:11).  

On the other hand, some bad habits would linger on.  When people were persistent in defying the gospel teaching, Titus was to rebuke them (Titus 1:13-14).  Paul knew it would not be easy, but he delegated authority so that Titus knew he was not speaking on his own account but on behalf of the Lord Himself (Revelation 3:19).  Nevertheless, there would be some people who would resist the teaching, and despise the teacher, speaking badly about him in private and public.  Titus had Paul's authority to expose such rebellious people in the church, so that all would know that they should not follow Jesus on their own terms, but only in accordance with the apostolic teaching.

It is the same today for all those who minister the gospel, including those who lead congregations.  They should have full confidence in the authority of the Bible - so that they can confidently speak with God's authority.  Those who are frightened of what people will think, or worried about being rejected, cannot be effective gospel ministers making disciples of Jesus Christ.  So, we should all pray for those who speak God's Word, to be courageous and selfless allowing the powerful message to come through their lips with God's authority.  If you are such a minister then seek out all those who desire to live in a Christ-like way and encourage them.  Keep teaching the others, and those who resist or even despise you should be rebuked firmly but in love.