Wednesday, March 6, 2013

A Language of Believers

I write others pretty regularly. In return I also receive a decent amount of correspondence whether it be through the old fashioned written letter, the more modern e-mail system or a private message via social media. One thing that has always caught and kept my attention long after the contents of the letter is forgotten is the closing. It is always interesting what final words the writer has chosen before adding their name to the bottom of the letter. These closing words capture so much of the relationship between the writer and the receiver.

In this regard I have noticed that believers in Christ have a most precious language they use with one another. It's unique; it's most tender and warm. It is encouraging; precious; intimate. I have kept letters from other Christians due solely to the closing they used. With the deepest gratitude it always reminds me of the family Christ have given me. A family composed primarily of pilgrims who know what it is like to walk this world's paths.

For example:
--Your brother in Christ,
--Warm regards,
--Have a wonderful and beautiful day in the Lord,
--Warm greetings!
--Keeping you in my prayers,
--Yours in Christ,
--Take care and every blessing,

Are these final words not precious? As I write them, I know the individual names that came after every closing. These words--written in love, written to encourage, written to strengthen, written because of the Lord Jesus Christ who knit us together. Christ has given us beautiful words to bless one another. Words that few understand but which are full of depth and wonder and mystery and longing. Ah, indeed, the language of saints. Blessed are those who understand them!

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