To Titus, my true son in our common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior. (Titus 1:4)
Expanded Passage: Titus 1:4-5
At the beginning of any pre-mission trip meeting, our pastor will remind us that by the end of the week, we will all need to show grace to one another. At the beginning of a trip, everyone is excited about the mission and ready to serve each other and the community with love. But by day four or five, after the heat has set in, people are tired, and the “joy” starts to fade, grace has to step in. After about six mission trips, I have learned to add prayer for those of us serving together for the week: grace for each other and peace throughout the week.
Serving does not mean we will be free from conflict or strife with fellow Christians. The Bible teaches us to forgive one another, and this means those that we serve alongside with. I’ve heard the phrase “Sheep bite”; it means that even those we lead will sometimes cause hurt. Whether you are serving on the short-term mission field or in full-time local ministry, we are to remember to show loving kindness towards one another, learning to forgive each other with the grace that has been shown to us by our loving Father.
Paul was encouraging Titus in their shared faith, reminding him—and us—to rely on God for grace and peace as we serve and build his kingdom.
Serve with grace toward the people you serve with.
Stacy Haynes is a mental health therapist, author, podcast host, and children’s ministry pastor in the Wesleyan Church.
© 2026 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
