November 01, 2021 | Letters from the Lead Pastor by Brandon Lenhart
When you write an email, or a text message, or just an old-fashioned letter, how do you conclude it? Is there a standard phrase or greeting with which you end? Maybe you conclude by saying, “Sincerely yours…” or “Blessings to you…” or “Thank you so much…” However you end your correspondences, do you ever give much thought to the words you write?
Most of Paul’s letters in the New Testament, as well as the General Pastoral Letters, end with phrases like: “May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ…” or “May GOD’s peace and mercy be upon…” or “Now may the GOD of peace…” But before we dismiss these closing words as mere pleasantries, it’s important to remember that these letters were an inspiration of the Holy Spirit upon each of the authors. Considering this, it’s vital that we not skip over these parting words, but rather dig in and understand fully the sincere sentiment behind them.
The author’s intent for wishing peace upon their hearers wasn't for the purpose of cordiality, but rather was a true desire that GOD’s people would actually live in, and exude, gratitude, grace, joy, and peace to the world around them. These writers’ words were calculated and purposeful and the parting expressions and feelings toward their audiences were truly meant as a means for further instruction and encouragement.
In addition to further instruction and encouragement, the authors of these letters didn’t know if this was the last time that they would speak with the churches. Their parting words could well have been their last.
No matter who you are, your words mean a lot. You may not think that they do, but the words you speak truly do have power. They can build up, or destroy. The author of Proverbs writes, “The words of the godly are a life-giving fountain; the words of the wicked conceal violent intentions” (10:11, NLT). In another verse, he writes, “Gentle words are a tree of life; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit” (15:4, NLT).
In your parting, what do you leave people with; what do you leave them pondering? Do the parting words you speak bring life or death? Do they bring challenge and encouragement, or discouragement and defeat?
For the believer in Christ, it is imperative that our words be not only true but gentle and life-giving. Our purpose is to bring people to Christ, not to drive them away.
Are your parting words with the people in your life indicative of a life lived for Christ, or are they disingenuous and pithy? If you knew that the words you speak to someone could be the last words they ever hear from you this side of heaven, how would you change what you say? Let your words be full of grace, and mercy, and peace.
