Common Bond

It's especially nice when communication and behavior between friends are pleasant; it's particularly nice when it's two-sided - when common kindness is shared ... that is, it's a'going and a'coming! In the New Testament book of Titus, Paul describes how the pastor (overseer) should be blameless, not arrogant nor quick-tempered nor greedy; rather, he should be loving, friendly, upright, fair-minded and "hold fast to the sure and trustworthy Word of God" (see Titus 1:7-9). Of course, not all Believers are called as pastors and [in context] these characteristics specifically address expectations of the pastor. Nonetheless, how wonderfully pleasing to God when a pastor ... receives what he gives! It should be noted that all God's children are to hold fast to the sure and trustworthy Word of God! Micah 6:8 tells us God requires that those who truly love Him love kindness and they walk humbly with and before Him. As our pastor obediently holds fast to The Word, we [too] are to obediently hold fast to The Word. When we do this, we share a commonality (obedience to The Word) - pastor and his people, one disciple with another disciple. It's God's way of living in genuine relationship with Him and with one another. Jesus and His Word is the ... common bond.