St. Paul’s Christianity is about LOVE

After Christ appeared to him, Paul is determined to learn about his newfound faith. For this reason he sets out for the regions of Arabia to study under obedience to the Holy Spirit "God was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not confer with flesh and blood, nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia; and again I returned to Damascus. Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas, and remained with him fifteen days." (Gal 1:16-18)

Paul understood his belief in Christ in terms of love – "the love of Christ guides us." (2Cor 5:14) and hope - "Remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labour of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Thes 1:3) and peace - "And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts (Col 3/15) and gentleness "I, Paul, myself entreat you, by the meekness and gentleness of Christ" (2 Cor 10-1) and compassion, patience, obedience, truth, righteous fear, suffering and endurance. These are virtues for each Christian, and, they are to be gained by constant struggle strengthened by the grace of the Holy Spirit.

Paul assures us that the Christian faith cannot be established except by a life-changing experience within the one who depends totally on the Grace of God, "…for every good gift is from the Father...."

In today's epistle (Titus 3:8-15) there is practical advice for the deacons and women. Paul tells them that the important things are to be found in goodness, in the proper rearing of their children, good management of their homes, and, service – because who serves the Church of God "gains a high degree and courage in the faith."