August 25. 2015: SOAP #2091:

Scripture: 2John (NIV) 12 I have much to write to you, but I do not want to use paper and ink. Instead, I hope to visit you and talk with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete.

Observation: As John does here, several times Paul wrote about wanting to see face to face the people to whom he was writing. It is not enjoyable to be separated, but today we can be very thankful for the times Paul was in jail, and the time John could not be with those he loved. Their love motivated them to communicate. Their absence limited their communication to writing. There are no recordings of their voices but we do have their letters.

Application: Separation from those I love can force me to use various means of communication. I may write down those things I would rather say in person. But the fact that I take the time to get a pencil and paper, the time I take to think through what I need to say, the time to purchase a stamp and place it in the mail—those things can emphasize the importance of what I am trying to communicate. Just because I cannot speak to someone face to face, does not mean that I cannot communicate with them. Maybe the best communication might be some flowers or a gift.

Prayer:   Holy Spirit, show me how to best communicate with those I love.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!