Hi, when was the last time that you received a letter? Recently, I commented to one of my children that I didn’t receive mail outside of bills. We also noted that I don’t send mail regularly either – at least, not the snail mail variety. Most of us, when we do send mail by post, send cards or packages. As we read today’s Holy Nougat, I invite us to consider sending a reminder to someone that they matter.
“Dear friend, I’m praying that all is well with you and that you enjoy good health in the same way that you prosper spiritually.” 3 John 1:2 CEB
Dear Friend
Although used as a salutation in many letters, the adjective ‘dear’ still connotes something or someone precious to the user. This becomes even more precious when described as ‘beloved’. In this third epistle of John, we find this marvelous endearment in a letter that is filled with encouragement.
Can you imagine receiving such a message? One filled with commendation from a mentor in the faith. It must have been heartening. I can only imagine Gaius taking this letter out, reading and rereading it until the words were inscribed on the heart, and not just the paper. How marvelous it must have felt, especially on those days when things didn’t go quite as well as intended, or when guidance was needed.
It’s how I hope you feel on receiving the nougats, God’s Word to us all. I also hope that the reflections encourage you, but more critically, the nougats are reminders of the longer Love Letter from God, telling us how precious we are. We know how lovingly we were made, with everything being put in place at Creation to meet our needs, just as a family would prepare for the arrival of a baby over time, so that at birth everything is in place.
Furthermore, Jeremiah 31:3 assures us of God’s forever love, ‘I have loved you with an everlasting love’ says God. And in Isaiah 40:1, God sends comfort for us. Even if these are mere words from human scribes, they certainly capture a love that is so precious. And, in the recorded stories of Jesus’ earthly life, John also assures us of God’s matchless love.
But hey, don’t take my word for it, have a read for yourself. And where applicable, especially in those points of love and encouragement, insert your own name. Hear God’s voice speak to you, allow God’s Spirit to sweep over and seep into your soul. Receive the title ‘Beloved’ or ‘Dear Friend’ with grace and joy, allowing it to bring you peace.
Dear friend, as you have been blessed by God daily, will you now share with someone else?
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May all we seek be found in Christ
