Deeply Loved

 

Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons: grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. And I am sure of this, that he who began ha good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. (Philippians 1:1-6 ESV).

 

In letters or emails that we write today, we place our signature at the end. And, depending on whom we are writing, we adjust the way we sign. Obviously the closing (or valediction should you desire to be precise) to a letter addressed to a stranger and to a loved one would be significantly different in content as well as tone. In the writings of the Apostle Paul’s day, people signed their letters at the beginning, and the greeting often gave a preview of what was to come.

 

Our reading today is the “closing” from the Apostle Paul. We can see immediately that this letter is going to be full of love and warmth. Paul calls his readers saints, “God’s holy people,” and showers them with grace and peace “from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” Then he makes clear how thankful he is for them. They are gospel partners, coworkers in whom God is doing a great thing. This comes with a promise that God will bring his work to completion. Paul reveals his pastor’s heart here by offering great encouragement and displaying deep care and affection for the Christians living and working in Philippi.

 

We all need to know that we’re loved, and we all need encouragement. We need someone to see God’s work in our lives, call it out for us, name it, and give thanks for it. The Philippians needed that kind of encouragement. These were difficult days for these early believers. They suffered as outcasts from family and friends, persecution from religious leaders, and the Roman Empire. So, Paul makes sure it is the first thing they receive in this loving, pastoral letter. I wonder if you are such a position today? Please allow this brief writing to serve as a reminder that you are loved. While I may not know you, your heavenly Father knows you and loves you so much He has given His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ to secure your eternal life. That fact is His closing to a letter addresses to you personally saying, “I love you!” Let that inspire you with the courage to face every challenge today.