"To Titus, mine own son after the common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour;" (Titus 1:4)
Paul used an interesting word for "own" here in this verse. It's not the Greek word that typically we see translated "own."
This word expresses that which is of legitimate birth, the direct opposite to the word used in Hebrews 12:8.
Paul was firmly convinced of Titus' salvation, and, from the language, we may conclude that Paul had led Titus to Christ. Paul uses the exact same word for "own" when speaking of his relationship with Timothy (I Tim. 1:2).
Paul had a close connection with believers that enabled him to be part of a family regardless of the church that he visited.
Belonging to Christ places us in a family like no other. You may not have an actual family, or, if you do, you may not feel like you belong in it.
Perhaps you're not close to your relatives for one reason or another. Rest assured, if you belong to the Lord, you have family with whom you can be close.
Faith in Christ gives us access to other believers who are truly our family members. The Spirit of God provides a unique union that cannot be duplicated.
I have been with other believers whom I had never met before that day, and I had a stronger connection with them than I did with my blood relatives who don't know the Lord.
Belonging to the family of God is a gift.
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