187. Living Letters — Aneel Aranha

Hello and welcome to The Hope Podcast. I'm Aneel Aranha. Today, we will talk about how our lives are letters from God to the world.

In his letter to the Corinthians, Paul writes, "You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everyone. You show that you are a letter from Christ... written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God" (2 Corinthians 3:2-3).

Every day, people around us are "reading" our lives. Our actions, reactions, attitudes, and choices communicate messages about the God we serve, whether we realize it or not.

Like any letter, our lives tell a story. Some chapters may contain struggles and failures, but through Christ, these become testimonies of grace and redemption. As David wrote, "Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in him" (Psalm 40:3).

How can we become clearer letters? Start by allowing God to do the writing. Just as Paul emphasizes these letters are "from Christ," we must yield to His authorship in our lives.

Live authentically. The world doesn't need more perfect Christians; it needs genuine ones. Our struggles and growth process can inspire others more than pretended perfection.

Remember that editing is part of the process. God continues to refine and shape us. As Paul assures us, "He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion" (Philippians 1:6).

Be mindful that your life speaks. Often, the most powerful messages are written not in what we say, but in how we live, especially during difficulties.

As you embrace your role as God's living letter, you may find your life speaking hope and truth to others in ways your words alone never could.

God bless you.