Writing with Our Faith

Theme: Writing with our Faith

“For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” (Romans 15:4)

“Now these things happened to them as an example, and they were written for our instruction, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.” (I Corinthians 10:11)

Thought:

When my wife and I were starting our family and living apart from both of our parents, we would occasionally receive a letter from one of our moms. It stood out because so much advertising and requests from companies for our business seemed to fill our mailboxes. But a letter from home was special. With both of our mothers, we would get updates on our families, how everyone was doing, and any family news. We were always encouraged, knowing that they were thinking about us and hoping to see us soon. It was always good to hear from family.

I’m now finding a similar situation with emails. As I look at my email several times each day, I wade through a plethora of “junk” mail, hoping for a personal email. The other day, I received an email from a friend who recently moved his young family overseas. He began the email, “Hey brother!! I’m thinking of you and Julie!! How are you guys doing?” He went on to ask more about how we were doing and to follow up on our last conversation. What an encouragement in the midst of media overflow.  

We value good writing, whether it’s a personal note to tell us something, encourage us, or something important we want to learn about. As a believer in Christ, I value God’s word to teach me, encourage me, at times correct me, and always comfort me. I hope you value writing too, but do you use it to encourage and serve others? I find it interesting that when we talk about spiritual gifts and serving one another, not much is said about the importance of writing, whether in a personal letter or to communicate wisdom or counsel.

In 2 Timothy 3:16, Paul writes to Timothy, “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” Not only is all scripture profitable for Timothy in these ways, but it is profitable for us, and it began with Paul writing this letter to Timothy. It is also profitable for us when a brother or sister in Christ shares scripture with us.

Actually, we have all of scripture because men and women wrote down what God directed them to write, often in the form of letters to others, encouraging and instructing in their Christian faith. In Paul’s first letter to Timothy, he wrote “I am writing these things to you, hoping to come to you before long; but in case I am delayed, I write so that you will know how one ought to conduct himself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth.” (3:14,15)

In Peter’s second letter, he writes, “This is now, beloved, the second letter I am writing to you in which I am stirring up your sincere mind by way of reminder, that you should remember the words spoken beforehand by the holy prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior spoken by your apostles.” (3:1,2)

And in John’s first letter, he writes, “My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” (2:1)

Now I am not saying that whatever we write has the same authority as Scripture, but God uses what we write for our instruction, and we can serve and minister to others through our writing.

Paul gives us two other examples of the value of writing in Romans 15:4 and 1 Corinthians 10:11. In Romans, Paul writes, “For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.”

Then, to the Corinthians, he writes, “Now these things happened to them as an example, and they were written for our instruction, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.”

Over the years, thousands, if not millions, have been encouraged, comforted, taught, and even discipled through letters.

Reflection: 

Take some time to reflect on someone who encouraged you through a letter or email. Who has God put on your mind to encourage with a note or letter? What Bible verse has God encouraged you with lately that you can share with someone else?

Prayer:

Lord, thank you for communicating with us to help us see you more clearly. Thank you for sending Christ, the Word, to show us God and to explain Him to us. Thank you for the people in my life who have taken the time to encourage me through a note or message.