Definition: I desired Titus, and with [him] I sent a brother. Did Titus make a gain of you? walked we not in the same spirit? [walked we] not in the same steps?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse together. It's a really important passage from the New Testament that deals with something called “spiritual warfare” and how Christians should handle challenges. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that when someone who is part of the Christian community (like a pastor, elder, or leader) tries to help another Christian, they might stumble or make mistakes. It's asking if this person is truly walking in the same way as the rest of the group. Let’s break it down word by word: “I desired Titus…” – This refers to Paul, a very important leader in the early church. He was concerned about someone named Titus. “…and with [him] I sent a brother.” - Paul is saying he trusted someone else to help him, and he entrusted them with this responsibility. “Did Titus make a gain of you?” – This is the key question. Paul is asking if Titus benefited from his efforts or if he took advantage of the situation. It’s like asking, “Did Titus succeed because of what we did?” “Did we not in the same spirit?” - This is a big one. "Spirit" here refers to a state of being – a way of thinking and acting. The phrase “not in the same spirit” means that they weren’t walking together in the same way as the rest of the church or community. “[Walked we] not in the same steps?” - This is another important point. It suggests they weren't following the same path or principles. What it Means – The Bigger Picture: This verse speaks to a common challenge that Christians face: spiritual conflict. It’s often about disagreements, misunderstandings, and even potential division within a community of believers. When people don’t agree on how to live their faith, it can create tension and sometimes lead to problems. “Spirit” is key: The verse isn't just about disagreement; it’s about spiritually aligning with God's will. It suggests that when we’re not walking in the same spirit – that’s the same way of thinking and acting as the rest of the church – it can create problems for everyone. Why is this important? Paul is essentially asking, “Are we all on the same page?” It's a reminder to: Stay united: To avoid conflict and maintain harmony within the Christian community. Be mindful of our actions: To make sure we’re following God’s principles and walking in a way that benefits everyone. Seek guidance: To ask for help from others if we're struggling to stay aligned with God’s will. In short, this verse is a gentle but serious reminder to be careful about how we interact with each other and to remain united in our faith. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the verse? Give you some examples of situations where this verse might apply? Answer any specific questions you have about it?