In my office, and nestled snuggly in one of my cabinets, is a box. The box itself is unimpressive. It's made of cardboard and looks like an oversized shoebox. It was saved from the recycling bin nearly a decade ago and is next to worthless. But what’s inside the box is invaluable.
The box in my cabinet contains the thank you notes and words of encouragement you’ve given to me. On tough days—heck, tough moments—I’ll pull out the box and read one of these notes. The words of affirmation and appreciation buoy me when I am low or exhausted. Your words of wisdom and thanksgiving provide me with the energy I need to keep moving forward.
This is why it makes perfect sense to me that the church at Philippi would cherish the letter(s) they received from Paul. The reason that the book of Philippians was included in the New Testament is because it illustrates how love is the foundation with which truth in built upon.
Paul, Peter, and John, among others, used letter-writing to provide encouragement and direction. Their letters to churches (and individuals) were included in our scripture's canon because these writings were repeatedly read and widely circulated among other churches. Not only were these letters the only means of communication between individuals spread out over long distances, the apostles also chose to include critical teachings on the life of faith in Jesus Christ.
Philippians, which we are studying on Wednesday Nights as a part of our ‘Love Your Neighbor Take-Out' gathering, is a love letter from Paul to a church supporting him financially while he was in prison. And because of their love for one another, it made perfect sense for his correspondence to include commentary on God's love for them in Jesus Christ. When we read and study Philippians, we see how his readership was earned through love.
For the past 20 centuries, churches have continued to reflect upon Paul's correspondences because they were written in love. This same principle holds true in my own experience. I have kept and treasured your correspondence to me because of the love I have experienced from you. Your words to me over the years are re-read and re-considered because of your love.
Paul's love for the church in Philippi is particular to them and tangible in its specificity. But, the letter is considered prophetic because it was inspired by the Holy Spirit and was crafted in love for the Body of Christ.
When we choose to reach out to one another in love--whether by email, text, or phone call—the demonstration of intentionality and thoughtfulness expresses a love that makes it possible for encouragement and direction to be heard.
Our church is gifted at sending beautifully crafted letters to those who are on our prayer list. Your words and your prayers, First Baptist Church, are timely and eloquently rendered. You speak God's words of hope to those who feel bereft and adrift. Like Paul, you provide joy in your commitment to one another when we might otherwise feel alone and apart.
And so, I hope that we might lean into this calling so that everyone can have a shoebox of correspondence for them to read when times get hard. The Bible is a collection of stories, wisdom, and encouragement that stretch down through the ages. A well-timed letter, however, makes God's universal words personal to you and me.
Let's get to writing.