Daily Devotional

Paul calls Titus “my true child in a common faith.” This beautiful phrase reveals the heart of spiritual mentorship. Titus wasn’t Paul’s biological son, but through discipleship, he had become Paul’s spiritual son. The word “true” (Greek: gnesios) means legitimate or genuine, indicating that this spiritual relationship was as real and significant as any biological one.

The phrase “common faith” is crucial because it shows what united Paul (a Jew) and Titus (a Gentile). In a culture where Jews and Gentiles typically remained separate, the Gospel created a bond stronger than ethnic or cultural differences. Their shared faith in Christ transcended all human barriers.

This relationship didn’t happen automatically. Paul invested time, energy, and love into Titus’s spiritual development. He opened his life, shared his struggles, taught doctrine, and provided guidance. In return, Titus proved faithful, teachable, and willing to take on challenging ministry assignments.

Paul’s greeting of “grace and peace” isn’t just a polite formality. Grace speaks to the unmerited favor that brought both men to faith and continues to sustain them. Peace refers to the reconciliation with God and harmony with others that the Gospel produces. These gifts come from “God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior,” emphasizing both the divine source and the family relationship believers share.