“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.”
2 Corinthians 3:3
In the ancient world, travelers often carried letters of commendation to establish their reputation. Paul himself once carried such letters from the Sanhedrin (Acts 9:2) to persecute Christians. Now, he claims he needs no such recommendation.
“You are our letter,” he tells the Corinthians. Their changed lives are his testimonial—letters written by Christ and authored by the Holy Spirit. This is more than metaphor—it’s Paul’s bold theological claim. The Corinthian believers were proof that Christ was at work, not through rules, but through Spirit-empowered transformation.
Barclay cites Plato: “The true teacher does not write his message in ink that will fade; he writes it upon men.” Ink fades. Even stone tablets can break. But the Spirit of God writes truth onto living, beating hearts. Jesus doesn’t just give commands—He changes people from the inside out.
This carries both comfort and responsibility. You don’t need perfect qualifications or titles to represent Christ. If the Spirit is shaping your heart, you are already a living letter of His grace. What people read in your life may be the only gospel they see.
We carry the name of Christ—and how we live either honors or dishonors Him. Whether we like it or not, we are being read—by our family, friends, coworkers, and even strangers. The question isn’t if your life sends a message, but what kind of message it sends.
Prayer
Lord Jesus,
Write Your story on the tablets of our hearts.
By Your Spirit, make us living letters—
Not of ink or stone, but of grace, mercy, and truth.
Let our lives bear witness to Your love and power.
May those who read us see You.
Amen.
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