In the footsteps of Titus (2)

"He who comforteth those who are humbled, God, comforted us by the coming of Titus, and not only by his coming, but also by the consolation of which he was filled with you." 2 Corinthians 7: 6-7

"As for Titus, he is my associate and my companion to you." 2 Corinthians 8. 23

First mission to Corinth

About five years after his visit to Jerusalem, Tite is in Corinth. Paul sent him with a delicate mission : to inquire about the spiritual state of the assembly following his first letter, and to transmit instructions from him.

Titus fulfilled his mission in Corinth with a shepherd's heart. The Corinthians received him with open arms and became loved by him, for they immediately submitted to the instructions he gave them from Paul (2 Corinthians 7:15). The assembly in Corinth was far from perfect! There had been tensions among the brothers, immorality, carnal behavior, rivalry, indifference, but everything had changed.

By sending them Titus, "his partner and his companion", Paul chooses to trust the Corinthians. The following shows how much the apostle was right. In his second letter to the Corinthians, Paul relates one of the effects of this visit on himself and on Titus : "Beyond our own consolation, we rejoiced more abundantly in the joy of Titus, because his spirit been appeased thanks to you all" (7:13).

What do we bring to the life of our assembly ? Is the behavior of some people blocking us ? On the contrary, are we seeking the good of all in a sincere love of the truth and of the brethren, even of those with whom we might disagree ?

True communion among the people of God is the result of a close relationship of each one with God in his walk. Through his behavior, Titus certainly played a key role in the lasting changes that occurred in the Corinthian assembly. Moreover, when he came back with good news, he became a source of consolation for the tired and distressed apostle.

If we truly love our brethren, the Lord will be able to use us, like Titus, to encourage and comfort them ... and vice versa !

Source (Pleasing the Lord)