Dear Church,
We live in a time when faith is often spoken of as something deeply personal and entirely private. People say, “My faith is between me and God,” as though that statement alone settles the matter. While faith certainly involves personal conviction and individual responsibility, Scripture never presents it as something meant to be hidden, isolated, or detached from the lives of others.
Biblical faith has always existed in a community setting. From the calling of Abraham to the formation of Israel, from the ministry of Jesus to the growth of the early church, God’s people were never meant to walk alone. Faith was personal, but it was never private.
Jesus Himself said, “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden… Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:14-16). Light, by its very nature, is meant to be seen. Faith that never touches the lives of others fails to fulfill its purpose.
Private faith produces silent disciples. Silent disciples do not teach, do not encourage, and do not warn. A faith that never speaks of Christ or reflects His character may comfort the believer temporarily, but it does not glorify God or rescue the lost.
The early Christians understood this well. They gathered openly. They worshiped publicly. They taught boldly. They shared meals, prayers, and possessions. Their faith was visible, and because it was visible, it was contagious. There were many who wanted to be part of the Church. Even when persecution came, they did not retreat into secrecy. They continued to live out their faith with courage and conviction.
This does not mean faith must be loud or seek the attention of others. Jesus warned against practicing righteousness to be seen by men. But He never taught His followers to hide their allegiance to Him. There is a difference between humility and concealment. One honors God. The other denies Him.
A faith that is never shared cannot be strengthened. We grow by teaching one another, bearing one another’s burdens, confessing our struggles, and encouraging one another to remain faithful. Isolation weakens the soul. Community strengthens it.
Let us not confuse privacy with sincerity. True faith is tested, refined, and displayed through relationships. It is lived out in how we speak, how we serve, how we forgive, and how we endure together.
So let us live our faith openly and humbly. Let us not be ashamed of Christ or of His people. Let us invite others to see what God is doing in us and among us. Because faith was never meant to be locked away. It was meant to be lived out for the glory of God and the good of others.