LIVING LETTERS

“You are our EPISTLE written in our hearts, known and read by all men” – 2 Corinthians 3:2

In Christ, believers are LIVING LETTERS: “You are our EPISTLE written in our hearts, known and read by all men; clearly you are an EPISTLE of CHRIST, ministered by us, written not with ink but by the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of flesh, that is, of the heart” (2Cor.3:2-3). Apostolic epistles to the churches of those days meant so much, because many were eager to know more of their newfound faith. In particular, the false teachers in Corinth constantly attacked Paul’s fitness as a minister of the gospel, hence this defence, in which he used a unique metaphor, referring to the church at Corinth as his personal “letter of endorsement.” They were a testament of his work; living presentations of his ministry, seen and studied for the life changing impact produced by God's word. Their changed lives validated his ministry.

Scripture abounds with living billboards of the Gospel’s transformational power: Tax-collector Matthew became an Apostle; Mary Magdalene, once demon-possessed became a fervent follower of Christ; Pharisee Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews cared for the crucified Saviour; the once morally bankrupt woman at the well, became an evangelist. These are proofs of how God's Word changes lives. The Believer’s life is meant to be a LIVING LETTER to the world. Christians are walking epistles, written by God and read by men; letters of recommendation for our Lord. We’re the only Bible some people ever will read to form an opinion about God – what they see in us and think of us. We represent Christ’s before observers, either as positive models or poor specimens.

Christ Himself left us an example to “follow His steps” (1Pet.2:21). Paul also admonished Timothy his son in the faith to: “be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (1Tim.4:12). In turn, every believer must portray a positive pattern to the rest of humanity. However, to truly impact those outside the church, the process must start from within. Christians are to be letters so plainly written that anyone could read the message and understand the gospel of Christ. Each person is either in Christ or out – there has always been a great division, and no middle ground of vacillation. The gospel is not merely an improvement, but a radical inner transformation of those whom the Son has set free; one which gradually manifests outwardly. The more we look at Christ, the more we’ll look like Him!

Paul wrote to the Thessalonians: “So, affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us” (1 The. 2:8). He knew that God called him not only to preach the gospel but to LIVE IT! Moreover, Paul shared the whole gospel, not just part of it. He confidently affirmed, “I have fully preached the gospel of Christ” (Rom 15:19b). He reminded the Elders at Ephesus: “how I kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you, and taught you publicly and from house to house” (Acts 20:20). Any gospel that promises the hope of Heaven without a warning about Hell or offers forgiveness from God without demanding repentance from sins is partial. The central message is Jesus Christ and Him crucified (1Cor.2:2).

In a world permeated by a sense of hopelessness, Christians should be purveyors of purpose and meaning. We must show others there is hope in Christ and demonstrate this through faith-inspiring dispositions and responses to life’s challenges. Letters differ in purpose, contents, length, format, emphasis, highlights, urgency or richness of information. I am Christ’s multi-functional Living Letter to all in my circles of influence. He makes me an able minister of the new covenant, “not of the letter but of the Spirit” (v.6a). I’ll teach, preach, live, and practice the Full Gospel, not an edited version that leaves out what people do not want to hear (2Tim.4:3). My life will communicate faith not fear, hope not despair, and love not hate.