E-mails from Heaven

Dear Struggler,
I don’t want you to be confused by anyone who simultaneously claims to be a disciple of mine and also condemns you. You shouldn’t even concern yourself with what their motivation is. I want you to concentrate on one thing, and one thing only.

But just so you’ll know what I think about what people like that do, I want you to read what my servant Paul wrote. Read it in II Corinthians 1:1-11.

The whole point was that I wanted the church to embrace the immoral brother again since he head repented of his sin. I felt for him because, even though I never did sin, I did know what it was like to be tempted to sin. This might make you uncomfortable, but something in me wanted to sin. And because I was not only a man but the son of God, the pressure was intense. So even though I hated what the guy did, I identified with him. Same with you. I know your pain except mine was worse. I could not sin – for your sake.

Anyhow, back to II Corinthians. You need to know that people who do not forgive you or find your sin too repulsive have missed the point on two counts. One, they have forgotten that they have been cleansed by my blood of their past sins. They are nearsighted and blind. The second point they have missed is that by not forgiving you, they stand in danger of working for Satan. Think about it: I’m all about forgiveness. Satan is not. Those who forgive are doing my work. Those who don’t are doing his. Don’t let them discourage you.

And now for the thing I want you concentrate on. I said it to the church at Smyrna. Check it out:

Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.

Let me assure you of one thing, dear sufferer – if I didn’t think the price of staying faithful was worth it, I wouldn’t have gone through it myself. I know the temptation to think that the here and now is the only reality there is, but you would be mistaken to act on that feeling. The reality of the crown of life is as real as it gets, and it is so valuable that there are no words to describe it to you.

So hang in there. Do NOT give up. When the going gets tough, just look at me, and keep on looking at me. Think about me. Think about what I suffered for you. Think about the home I have prepared for you. You already are my princess; one day I’ll give you the crown I promised you and everyone else will know it, too.

I love you,
Jesus