“How natural it is that I should feel as I do about you,
for you have a very special place in my heart.
We have shared together the promises of God,
both when I was in prison and when I was out,
defending the truth and telling others about Christ.”
{Philippians 1:7}
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As I read Paul’s letter to the church in Philippi, I am reminded of the importance of letters — especially letters of encouragement.
Letters bridge time and space. No matter how long it’s been. Or how far apart we may be. A simple letter with a few words of encouragement can lift a friend’s spirit and brighten a friend’s countenance.
A letter can bridge two souls who long to be together again.
That is what God’s Word is to us. The Bible is God’s Letter to us. It’s His invitation to rejoin Him for eternity.
Through countless stories in the Bible, we learn of His Grace. Time and again, God rescued and redeemed the lost and the lonely.
Paul, the man who once hurled hatred toward believers, became a new man when he met Christ. His heart forever changed, from stone to flesh. Forgiven and restored.
So Paul began a new journey of faith to share the promises of God wherever he went. From city to city, Paul shared the gospel. And lives were changed. Then, every so often, Paul would write a letter to his friends, encouraging them to continue in the faith. For Jesus alone is the Way to life.
Today we can follow Paul’s example. We can write a few words of encouragement to a friend.
Here.
Today.
This moment.
Let’s share hope with those who are weighed with a heaviness of heart. Let’s share the promises of God with neighbors and friends and strangers.
Above all, let’s give praise to the One who bore our sin and built a bridge of grace.