Titus, Part TwoNäide

Talking about your faith

“These are the things you should tell people. Encourage them, and when they are wrong, correct them.” (Titus 2:15, Easy-to-Read Version)

Paul concludes this chapter by calling on Titus to talk about the faith with fellow believers, encouraging them and also correcting them if necessary. This assignment, of course, applied primarily to Titus himself, who had the task of equipping the congregations in Crete. But it does not end there! Even ‘ordinary church members,’ with no special calling or task, have this assignment. For example, we read in Colossians 3:16, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom.”

In the preceding verse, Paul mentions that believers are “one body.” The church is a complete entity, which makes it important to be in contact with one another and promote one another's spiritual growth. It should not leave us cold when a spiritual brother or sister is in danger of losing heart, committing a transgression in their walk of faith, or falling victim to deception. In all such situations, we must encourage and exhort one another to persevere in faith, hope, and love. And, of course, that only works if we know each other and are conversing about spiritual matters — how else can we know if someone needs encouragement, exhortation, or teaching?

Do you talk to others about your faith? Do you connect with fellow believers? How could you strengthen this communion further?