Living Letters

“You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, recognized and read by everyone. It is clear that you are Christ's letter, produced by us, not written with ink but with the Spirit of the living God--not on stone tablets but on tablets that are hearts of flesh.” ~2 Corinthians 3:2-3 HCSB

Think about a letter.  Letters come in all sorts of ways.  In the world we live in today a letter could be a text message on a cell phone or it something you get in the mailbox.  One thing about letters regardless of the format in which they are delivered, letters are powerful!  Letters have the ability to lift us up or break us down.  As I was serving in the first Gulf War, the highlight of the day was getting home and seeing a letter on my cot.  I couldn’t wait to open it and see what was said inside. I was connecting to someone else in a unique way.  For a moment I was there with them and I wasn’t in a war.  In Paul’s world letters were treasured and vitally important for conveying important information.  Letters written by the Apostles were used to teach and to encourage a new church.  These letters are still read today and are now part of our sacred writings.  God uses them to make Christ know to the world.  

In this letter to the Corinthians Paul is reminding the readers they themselves were letters, letters of Christ and were read by everyone.  These letters were written not by ink but by the Holy Spirit.  The very words were not carved in stone, but were pressed into the very flesh of a changed heart.  We are Christ letters and our lives are meant to be read by the world around us.  In fact people around you want to read your letter, for its very words are the way of salvation.  The words written on your heart are the words of love and hope, peace and forgiveness.  This letter is not meant to be concealed or hidden away, but is to be proudly displayed for all to read.  Today live to be read as a living letter of Christ!  

Lord thank you for your Son Jesus Christ who makes us a new creation.  Thank you for the Holy Spirit who fills our lives and turns us into a living letter proclaiming the glories of Christ.  Let the world see you in me!  Amen