Letters
Read 3 John 1-8.
Wouldn't you love to get a letter like this? We only read the first few lines of this personal letter that John sent to his "dear friend" Gaius, but even in that short snippet you can feel the warmth, the care, the compassion and the concern that these friends have for each other. To the best of my knowledge, we don't know how John came to know Gaius, but they obviously developed a very close spiritual friendship. John calls Gaius one of his "children" (v. 4). He cares for him as a father cares for his children.
Research shows that people today, despite the advent of social media and online ways to connect with others, are more disconnected than ever. Men, in particular, rarely have anyone they can call a close friend. And letter writing? Nearly non-existent. Several years ago, I heard a postmaster talk about how much the postal service depends on that junk mail that you and I despise. Since people rarely send real letters or cards, the post office gets most of their revenue from filling your box with ads. We prefer to email, tweet or send snapchats today. Mail takes too long!
Yet, think about the last time you got a letter—a real, honest-to-goodness letter. I know that I treasure such things today, and I imagine that Gaius treasured this letter from his friend and spiritual companion John. Even though the letter is short, it was important enough that it was not only kept by Gaius but by the larger church and preserved to this day. This letter is a reminder that we all need spiritual encouragement. Yes, we know that the saints cheer us on (Hebrews 12:1), but sometimes (a lot of times) it's good to actually be able to hear the voices (or read the words) of the saints we know.
I keep a box of cards, notes and letters, all hand-written, on my desk to read through when things are difficult. In my home safe, I keep an envelope with a letter written from a dear neighbor of my youth that I read through from time to time to remember her (she's gone to be with the Lord for several years now). I have various notes tucked into various Bibles and when they fall out as I thumb through the pages, just seeing the handwriting reminds me of that person's care and love. Long after Facebook has gone offline, those notes will remain to cheer me on.
Who can you offer spiritual encouragement to today? Do it with a letter, not a tweet or an instant message. Send a card, and express how much you are in their corner. As in the case of Gaius, that note, that letter just might make an eternal difference.
Wouldn't you love to get a letter like this? We only read the first few lines of this personal letter that John sent to his "dear friend" Gaius, but even in that short snippet you can feel the warmth, the care, the compassion and the concern that these friends have for each other. To the best of my knowledge, we don't know how John came to know Gaius, but they obviously developed a very close spiritual friendship. John calls Gaius one of his "children" (v. 4). He cares for him as a father cares for his children.
Research shows that people today, despite the advent of social media and online ways to connect with others, are more disconnected than ever. Men, in particular, rarely have anyone they can call a close friend. And letter writing? Nearly non-existent. Several years ago, I heard a postmaster talk about how much the postal service depends on that junk mail that you and I despise. Since people rarely send real letters or cards, the post office gets most of their revenue from filling your box with ads. We prefer to email, tweet or send snapchats today. Mail takes too long!
Yet, think about the last time you got a letter—a real, honest-to-goodness letter. I know that I treasure such things today, and I imagine that Gaius treasured this letter from his friend and spiritual companion John. Even though the letter is short, it was important enough that it was not only kept by Gaius but by the larger church and preserved to this day. This letter is a reminder that we all need spiritual encouragement. Yes, we know that the saints cheer us on (Hebrews 12:1), but sometimes (a lot of times) it's good to actually be able to hear the voices (or read the words) of the saints we know.
I keep a box of cards, notes and letters, all hand-written, on my desk to read through when things are difficult. In my home safe, I keep an envelope with a letter written from a dear neighbor of my youth that I read through from time to time to remember her (she's gone to be with the Lord for several years now). I have various notes tucked into various Bibles and when they fall out as I thumb through the pages, just seeing the handwriting reminds me of that person's care and love. Long after Facebook has gone offline, those notes will remain to cheer me on.
Who can you offer spiritual encouragement to today? Do it with a letter, not a tweet or an instant message. Send a card, and express how much you are in their corner. As in the case of Gaius, that note, that letter just might make an eternal difference.
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