A while back, I got a colored envelope in the mail and I got all excited. That odd shaped fancy envelope suggested that it was a personal note. According to the return address, it was from a friend, and I couldn’t wait to open it. 

But to my disappointment, it was merely a store-bought card, and the only sentiment expressed was a signature (and only her first name at that!).

Sending and receiving personal notes is a dying art form. And that is a shame. Those little missives matter. Individual notes express meaningful ideas; they pass along sweet thoughts and reinforce consequential relationships. They matter.

Even the format of our Bible emphasizes the importance of personal notes. Paul wrote several in the New Testament. He wrote to Timothy twice, penned an epistle to Titus, and jotted a short note to Philemon. 

In I Timothy, Paul called Timothy “his true son” and urged him to guard what had already been entrusted to his care. In Titus, Paul affirms his confidence in this young leader with his statement, “The reason I left you in Crete was that you might strengthen out what was left unfinished, and appoint elders…” It was a sweet expression of deep conviction that Titus could get the job done.

Paul’s very short note to Philemon (only 25 verses) affirms his certainty that Philemon would do the right thing with a runaway slave and then throws in the personal thought that he needs to get the guest room ready-Paul is coming for a visit!

In II Timothy, Paul calls him “his dear son” and affirms that he prays often for him. In that second personal letter, Paul calls to mind Timothy’s family and the spiritual heritage that has been handed down. Twice he urges Timothy to hurry and get to Rome. Paul knows that his life is coming to an end and he wants to be with his young friend.

Personal notes express sincere thoughtfulness. Those simple sentences remember meaningful things from the past and look forward to shared blessings in the future. Those cards and letters reflect genuine love. The handwriting (however scribbled it might be) shouts, “THIS IS FROM ME! I really do care!”

So, this week, let’s all think about the apostle Paul and his ability to “reach out and touch” those he truly cared about. His personal letters mattered.

And ours will too!