Endless Possibilities – 2 Corinthians 3:1-3

2 Corinthians 3:1-3 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)

¹ Are we beginning to commend ourselves again? Or like some, do we need letters of recommendation to you or from you? ² You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, recognized and read by everyone, ³ since it is plain that you are Christ’s letter,  produced by us, not written with ink but with the Spirit of the living God; not on stone tablets but on tablets that are hearts of flesh.

Some criticized Paul because they didn’t feel he had adequate credentials or recommendation from respected sources.  Most likely these criticisms came from those outside the church in Corinth who were trying to usurp Paul’s leadership among the believers there.  For Paul, he didn’t need others to verify his own ministry.  He told the church that they were his credentials.  His ministry among them was evident in their own faith in Christ.  They could look at one another and see the ministry of Christ through the life of Paul.

We each have the opportunity to leave a mark on others.  The Holy Spirit works through us to affect the lives of those around us, when we allow Him to have leadership in us.  When we walk in the Spirit, the Lord uses us to write on the hearts of those around us.  They might be our family members, our friends, our enemies, people at school, people in church, or any number of others.  But if we are not walking in the Spirit, what is written on others may not bring glory to God.

Reflect on the people who have had great impact on your Christian life.  Who has written on your heart for Christ?

How about the reverse.  Are you being used to write on the hearts of others?  What do you think is being written?