I love how Paul calls Titus a true son in the faith — a common faith (Titus 1:4).
Believers, we indeed share a common faith in our Lord Jesus, in His personhood. We also share a common belief in His finished work on the cross. Additionally, we share a common faith in our hope for eternal life — the return of our King to set all things right.
Without a doubt, our common faith unifies us, breaks down barriers, and distinguishes us from the world. Our mutual faith always sets us apart. Jesus is our connecting thread, which makes us unified and together. Despite our differences, we share faith.
Simply put, it makes us family. An eternal family that actually goes deeper sometimes than our own flesh and blood family here on earth (Proverbs 18:24).It unites us far more than anything could divide us or cause us to disagree. With regard to things like secondary theological ideas, politics, preferences, or methods of practice.
This faith we share tears down those differences so that they don’t divide us. And because of that, we have a real and true unity that undeniably stands out for the watching world to see.
By His Strength
It’s otherworldly. For sure, it’s not a unity that comes from our strength; it is by the grace of God, and it glorifies Him. Ultimately, it brings peace into our lives.
Division is so easy to fall into. It’s honestly the easy route. Not to mention, it’s kind of the lazy route. Unity takes work, yet it’s a worthwhile work. Our common faith glorifies God.
“Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.” —1 Peter 3:8
We’ve said it before, “unity isn’t uniformity.” Our shared faith doesn’t mean we don’t disagree or even talk through our disagreements. On the contrary, we patiently communicate these differences and humble ourselves before each other. As a result, we better understand and love one another.
I’m sure Paul and Titus had disagreements. We know Paul certainly did with some of his other Gospel partners (Acts 15:39). However, at the end of the day, they saw each other as family in their shared common faith. For the same reason, we should do likewise.
Thankful for my common faith family,
Posted in A Word from the Pastor