I remember years ago my mom told me that my grandpa used to write notes, aka love letters, to my grandma when they first started courting. He was two years older than her and was a school teacher in Wright Township, Greene County, Indiana from 1913 to 1920. Although she didn’t attend school during this time as she only completed an 8th grade education, which was very common in the early 1900’s.

To the best of my recollection my mom told me that grandma told her that grandpa would send handwritten notes home to her via one of his students who was also her neighbor, and she’d reply back to him the same way.

Those notes must have been very sweet, as they fell in love and got married in 1915.

My grandma was 19 years old and my grandpa was 21 at the time of their marriage. They were blessed with four children, David, Sarah, Naomi, and Ralph. My mom, who later changed her name to Sara, was their second child.

My grandparents were married just short of 54 years when my grandpa passed away in November 1969. My grandma survived him by 16 years, passing away in November 1985. They were both strong Christians and left a big impression in my life by the way they lived their life, and by the way they loved with the love of Christ.

I recently saw an article that centered around a box of old love letters, and it sparked this old memory about my grandparents.

I thought, how sweet it would be to have some of their old love letters.

So I asked my siblings and a couple of my cousins if they happened to recall or actually have any of those letters, and unfortunately they do not, so my faint memories will have to suffice.

I actually have a box of some old letters, post cards, and memorabilia from my early junior high days. Most of the letters were from my 7th grade best friend Donita, who moved to Georgia during our junior high school years.

It’s pretty safe to say, hand written notes and love letters are now a thing of the past. Technology has definitely brought us some great advances and conveniences but has also forever changed the landscape of how we express our feelings, and how we communicate with each other.

Nowadays, texting, social media posts, and messaging have likely become the most preferred form of communication. The pros include convenience and time efficiency, but I believe the cons outweigh the pros. Some of the cons include being misunderstood, texting the wrong person by mistake, autocorrect mumble jumble, and the missing out of the joy of hearing and seeing people in person.

And,

I regret not having found any of those old notes and love letters between my grandpa and grandma,

But,

I do have several Bibles, which Billy Graham lovingly referred to as God’s “love letters” to us:

“The Bible is God’s love letters to us. It is there He tells us not only that He loves us, but shows us what He has done to demonstrate His love. It also tells us how we should live, because God knows what is best for us and He wants us to experience it. Never forget: The Bible is God’s Word, given to us so we can know and follow Him.” #BillyGraham

However,

According to a quick internet search, the Baptist Press for example, states that “while the average home in America has three or four bibles in it, more than half of Americas read little or none of the Bible. Less than a quarter of those who have ever read a Bible have a systematic plan for reading Scripture each day. And a third of Americans never pick it up on their own.”

As for me, since becoming a Christian, I’ve read through the Bible three times, studied the gospels several times, done various Bible studies, either in a group setting or on my own. In December 2022, I started a new Bible chapter-by-chapter Bible study by listening to an audio Bible app on my phone, reading the corresponding chapter in my Bible, and then studying the Bible notes. My goal has been to do this daily. I haven’t always met my goal but I do most days and while it’s going to be a long while before I finish this Bible study, it’s been such a blessing to me.

Truth be told, I haven’t always studied my Bible. There’s been more times than I care to remember when I haven’t been actively studying my Bible. Thankfully, I was convicted a while back, by the grace of God, that there’s no good reason why a Christian should not be actively involved in some type of daily Bible study.

So,

The point I want to emphasize is that studying the Bible goes hand in hand with being a Christian. It’s one of the best ways for us to know Him more and to know His will in our lives. It’s rich in meaning, instructions, and warnings. It also helps us make sense of some of the things we see going on in the world today. No matter how dark the days may seem, His word assures us that we, who are called by His name, have a hope and a future in Him.

I do believe that the Bible really is like a collection of “love letters.” It’s about,

the amazing love of God,

the promises of God,

the miracles of Jesus,

the sinfulness of man,

God’s plan of salvation,

blessings for those who obey Him,

and,

curses for those who do not.

The Bible also helps us to know that,

God is sovereign,

God is good,

God is always to be trusted,

and so much more.

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness. 2 Timothy 3:16

So, if you’re a Christian and you’re not actively involved in some type of Bible study, maybe it’s time to ask yourself why not. Or better still, pray about it.

Or,

If you’re not a Christian, why not carve out some time to read the Bible for a few minutes each day? It’s God’s love letters to you.