Note of Encouragement
Philippians 1
Note of Encouragement, Philippians 1. Have you ever thought about the importance of the beginning of a letter?
Just as in a conversation, our opening words set the mood for the
entire letter.
Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
Philippians 1:2, KJV
Note of Encouragement
Philippians 1
Have you noticed that Paul begins many of his letters to the churches with a benediction? In the first verse of the book of Philippians, however, He introduces Timothy and himself, and also his audience.
Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:
Then, Paul continues with the benediction in verse 2. Have you ever thought
about the importance of the beginning of a letter? Just as in a
conversation, our opening words set the mood for the entire letter. In a
conversation that mood is also set by the look on a person's face, but
in a letter we cannot see the writer's face.
What is the purpose of this
letter? Is Paul coming to chide the Philippians? It certainly does not
seem so. As we continue to read in Philippians 1 we find that just the
opposite is true. He approaches the people with a call for grace and
peace to be given to them from God the Father and from the Lord Jesus
Christ. He then continues to encourage them in the faith he sees
manifest in their lives.
I have a dear Christian friend who writes the most lovely, encouraging notes. She always includes a Scripture verse as well. What a great reminder that God is always at the center of our lives. He is never too busy to listen to our prayer, and He loves to hear our worship and adoration.
How often do we just sit down and write a
letter (or an email) just for the purpose of encouraging another
Christian? They may seem to have no need of encouragement because of
their strong faith in the Lord. But, that is not true. They will be the
first to tell you of their own doubts and shortcomings before a just and
holy God. Send them that note of encouragement--it may be just exactly
the thing they need!
Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
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