Lifelong Love-Letters

by Nancy Kay Grace

“God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him.” 1 John 4:9 (NLT), in God’s love-letter

When I was in college, a handsome young man caught my attention. We began dating in the fall, and enjoyed getting to know one another every day.

Months passed. Holiday break came, and I had to return home several hundred miles away. I felt sad leaving my newfound love. In the weeks until I returned, we promised to write each other every day. Phone calls were too expensive. There were no cell phones and computer technology.

At home, I eagerly checked the mail every day, looking for a written word from Rick. When a letter arrived, I immediately read it and reread it. Our relationship grew stronger in spite of the distance.

My letters to Rick were written on scented stationery. If I used plain stationery, I sprayed my perfume on the envelope. He could tell a letter from me had arrived before opening his mailbox. The scent wasn’t as pleasant as the day I sent it, but I didn’t care. I was a college girl in love and wanted to show it. Of course, his roommates teased him about the fragrant mail. I’m sure the post office workers laughed when handling my letters at arm’s length.

The love letters were an important part of our relationship until we married.

God’s Word, the Bible, is a love-letter written to all of us. It tells us of the great love story of God drawing us into relationship with him, becoming one of us in the life of Jesus Christ, who took the penalty of our sins and conquered death. Throughout the Old and New Testaments we learn of the depth of God’s love to us, as shown in these passages:

“I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness. (Jeremiah 31:3 NIV)

“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Roman 5:8 NIV)

“No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:39 NLT)

Yet life gets busy. We can neglect reading God’s love-letter. When this happens, I begin to feel disconnected from the Lord. My faith is at risk of drifting into depending on a previous understanding of God instead of learning new revelations from Him. I need reminders of God’s love for me.

When I recall my eagerness to read the love-letters from the early days of Rick’s and my relationship, I want that same desire to open God’s love-letter for fresh insights from God.

I still have a box of Rick’s love letters in a closet and cherish them. Although I haven’t read them in a long time, I know the gist of what they say.

God’s lifelong love-letter has become even more precious to me even though I’m familiar with the story. There is always something new to discover in the scriptures. Its words are a source of daily encouragement, written with love from the heart of my heavenly Father.

This article is brought to you by the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association (AWSA).

About the author: Nancy Kay Grace is thankful for the gift of peace in the face of turmoil. She is a speaker and award-winning author of The Grace Impact, a devotional about the touch of God. As a cancer survivor, she writes about hope, perseverance, and God’s grace. For relaxation, Nancy enjoys hugs from grandchildren, playing worship songs on piano, hiking, and travel. Her website, blog, and GraceNotes newsletter sign-up are found at www.nancykaygrace.com.

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