Living Epistles – 2 Corinthians 3:2
You are our letter, written in our hearts, known and read by all men.
We are living epistles of Christ, open letters carrying a message of hope and reconciliation to the world,missives bringing good news of our Lord to those in a dry and dusty land.
Our letters are not in ink, nor published in books or magazines. Rather the Spirit has etched their words in our hearts, which Christ transformed from cold, hard stone into living, vibrant flesh.[1] What do they say? Are they beautiful, life giving,and inspiring? Does our love for Christ leap off the stationary, exciting those who read them, igniting a desire to know the Author of our joy and Giver of our abundant life? When others draw near to us, do they catch the scent of holiness that escapes from our envelopes?
Oh, that our desire to please the Lord and produce good fruit may have turned us into love-inspired epistles that bring peace and hope wherever the Lord sends them, that they may testify of our godly sincerity with which, by the grace of God, we have put on Christ. Having been composed through the spiritual insight we gained by our prayerful and dedicated study of the Holy Scriptures,may their pages be filled with wisdom,[2] teaching about kindness and truth, bringing us favor and honorable reputations with people everywhere and with God, so our good standing will honor our Lord.[3] As we walk in the Light, may they radiate the light of God’s glory to brighten even the darkest place.[4] As we take on Christ’s character, may their tender sentiments comfort the sorrowing, counsel the troubled, and lead the misguided. May they give courage to the frightened and inspire faith in the fainthearted, and may they witness of our contentment to help the dissatisfied cease striving and trust in the Lord.[5]
Allow the Holy Spirit to transform you into a holy letter that reflects God’s majesty before the world, a letter that brings souls standing aloof from God to revival, a letter that boldly makes known the Good News of the salvation Jesus Christ offers as a gift to all who would receive Him.[6] Carry the fresh and personalized message of redemption, deliverance, and sanctification to pierce the hearts of your letter’s readers in their current need.[7] As a living message to the world from Jesus, fill yourself with Him and conduct yourself with holiness, so the words written in your heart glorify God and draw others to Him.[8]
[1] 2 Corinthians 3:3, Ezekiel 11:19
[2] Colossians 1:9-10
[3] Proverbs 3:3-4
[4] 2 Corinthians 4:6
[5] Philippians 4:11, Psalm 46:10
[6] 1 Corinthians 15:1-2
[7] 2 Corinthians 1:12
[8] John 12:32
