Letters Without Stamps

2 Corinthians 3:2-3 – You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everybody. You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts. (NIV)

Stamps have been important throughout our country's history for sending and receiving mail — primarily letters — back and forth across the country. Besides train, truck, and air, some famous delivery methods were the Overland Stage and Pony Express. International mail was delivered by steamer ship, and later by air.

God designed very special letters traditionally called "epistles". Although Paul wrote most of the ones in the Bible, he says that the message of Christ is really written on the heart of each believer to share with the world. It has no need of a stamp or any of our other methods of mailing. Because it is so personal, it isn't carried by way of mail. It is carried heart to heart, and read from one heart to another. As His ambassadors, we are to let His light shine through us, so that people can learn who He is by being around us. When the Spirit of Christ lives in us, through our actions and life, we represent His character and His actions.

Ideally, when we are friends whose hearts radiate the love of Christ, we see every one as individual people in need of the Lord's kindness, gentleness, and joy. Our welcoming countenance draws people in spiritual need towards us. The Spirit draws those in distress to us so that we can be His ambassador. Jesus comes alive in us to meet the needs of young and old alike. There is no doubt that we share the love of Jesus with each one we meet. Just like the Bible, God's love letter to each one of us, our letter is easy to read — no stamp necessary — sent by special delivery — heart to heart. How do each of our hearts read?

Prayer: Father God, may others read our heart epistle to Your honour and glory. Amen.