The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

2 Peter 1:1-8, “Simon Peter, a bond-servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who have received a faith of the same kind as ours, by the righteousness of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ:

2 Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord;

3 seeing that His divine power has granted us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence.

4 For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust.

5 Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge,

6 and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness,

7 and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love.

8 For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Recently, I received through the mail a most cordial greeting from an anonymous person. No, it was not intended as a “love letter”; it was, as I said, simply a “cordial greeting,” obviously intended to encourage and uplift the spirits of an elderly gentleman. The note was identified only by a single name, making it impossible for me to identify it as having come from someone I personally know.

Simon Peter wrote a similar, but lengthier note in his second epistle to some Christians he knew rather well. And, yes, Peter identified himself immediately, leaving no one wondering who authored his letter. In my case, I’ve pondered who might be the author; in Peter’s case there was no question but that he was the author.

It’s warming to know that there are those who care enough about others to make contact, even if anonymously. It sets a fine example for all of us, does it not?

Heartily in Christ,

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

United States of America

We will never know that Christ is all we need,

Until He becomes all that we have. – Corrie ten Boom