John 3:16 is the greatest message ever sent to man. ‘For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son.’ God sent Jesus to demonstrate His love; and He sends us to declare it! You…are a letter from Christ….written not with ink but with the spirit
of the living God, ‘to a lost, stressed-out world searching for answers.when they're gossiping about you
Now, when a letter arrives certain questions arise:
1) To whom is it addressed? This letter is addressed to ‘whoever believes.’ For every person you meet, you have something they need, something more important than a tax cut, a salary increase, a solution for global warming or a cancer cure. Friends, enemies, relatives, neighbors, workmates and strangers need the message you have and the hope you bring.
2) Who is it from? The author’s identity determines the reader’s interest level. You are a letter from Christ, about Christ. ‘For we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord’ (2 Corinthians 4:5). Our message is not about us; it’s about Jesus. ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me’ (John 14:6).
Religious folk advertise their religion. We advocate Christ. ‘But are people really interested in Jesus?’ you ask. Yes! In His lifetime He drew multitudes. Since His death and resurrection He draws countless millions of both sexes, all strata of society and every nation of the earth.
‘But I, when I am lifted up…. Will draw all men to myself’ (John 12:32). Today nothing is more needed than a living portrait of Jesus Christ, so deliver your love letter to ‘whoever’ crosses your path! when they're gossiping about you
The bible says your life is a love letter from Jesus, ‘known and read by everybody.’ But a letter is only effective, if it is easily read and understood. An older friend said of his deteriorating hand writing, ‘I can still read writin’, but I can’t write readin’!’ Incomprehensible writing distorts the message and discourages the reader.
The purpose, to convey the writer’s thoughts, is lost, and the reader either stops reading or fails to get the message.
The purpose, to convey the writer’s thoughts, is lost, and the reader either stops reading or fails to get the message.
To ensure that your love letter from Jesus gets through to the people He’s sending it to, here are some common distortions to avoid:
a) dishonesty, like padding your expense account, stealing company time or taking home items you think won’t be missed.
b) a begrudging, resentful attitude when a friend, fellow worker or boss asks you to go the extra mile and help at an inconvenient time.
c)shoddy workmanship, reflected in a substandard product or service.
d) undependability and inconsistency, such as when you can’t be counted to be where you’re supposed to be, or to fulfil your obligations.
(e) Being a killjoy. Christians who lack a sense of humor and resiliency, who act like they are ‘joy-impaired,’ hurt the cause of Christ f) touchiness, like when you wear your feelings on your sleeve, are easily upset and overreact to unintended offences.
g) temper tantrums, where you’re crabby and grumpy because things don’t go your way.
h) ‘Holy Joe-itis’ that makes you speak in self-righteousness, supercilious tones. Since you are a being ‘known and read by everybody,’ guard against these behaviors that distort the life-giving message God wants to send to others through you.
Once you know a letter is addressed to you, the question becomes what does it say? Certain key words in 2 Corinthians stand out: ‘transformed,’ ‘renounced,’ and ‘made new!’ ‘We… are being transformed into his likeness’ (2 Corinthians 3:18). ‘We have renounced secret and shameful ways’ (2 Corinthians 4:2). ‘If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!’ (2 Corinthians 5:17).
The message in our letter should make it clear that we’re not the people we used to be, because:
1) Christ has changed us mentally. Being ‘transformed by the renewing of [our] mind’ (Romans 12:2) we now look at life, ourselves, others, our challenges and options in light of God’s thoughts, not ours. We see opportunities where we see only obstacles, and possibilities where we saw only problems. Minds that were frazzled with worry, are now filled with confidence and peace.
2) Christ has changed us morally. The list of wrong doers mentioned in 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 was a lifestyle all too familiar to us. It includes the immoral, thieves, greedy, drunkards, slanderers, swindlers, etc. Then comes glorious verse 11: ‘And that is what some of you were. But you were washed…sanctified…justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ’. He has transformed our character. when they're gossiping about you
3) Christ has changed us spiritually. Once we were unable to enjoy His word, His worship, and His ways. Now, alive by his indwelling spirit, we revel in these things (1 Corinthians 2:14)! Your letter should read: ‘Jesus changed my life, and if you let Him, He will change yours too!’ So today, deliver your love letter to everyone you meet.
1 Chronicles 23:21, John 11:38-57
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