The Red Letters

In most Bibles you will notice that there is black letters and some red. Someone asked me what the significance is with the red letters. The red letters are Jesus's words. Those are things that he spoke of while he was here on earth. What does the "red letters" talk about? To put very simply, the band dctalk released a song called The Red Letters. The chorus went, "There is love in the red letters. There is truth in the red letters. There is hope for the hopeless, peace, and forgiveness. There is life in the red letters."

My favorite word to describe the love Jesus has for us is unconditional. He will never let us down. He will always love us. In 1 Corinthians 13 it describes Jesus's love and how to use the greatest gift, which is love. In verse 2 it says boldly, "If I have faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing." The word nothing is not used lightly. He wants us to know that we have to love. He died on the cross for our sins. That is the ultimate sacrifice of love. He loved us so much that he was willing to be whipped, beat, wear a crown of thorns, and be hung on a cross for all to see, just so that we can live today. Jesus is love.

John 8:32 says, "Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." Until you know the truth, you will not be free. You have to accept the truth that Jesus died for you. When you do accept the truth that he did that and you decide to follow him the rest of his days, you will be free. What is even better, is you will be with him the rest of your days. You will spend eternity with him.

"We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure." Hebrews 6:19. When the Bible was written, the fastest way to travel a long distance was by boat. For the most part, boats are very safe in good weather. However it is very risky when there is a storm while traveling by boat. Storms could appear anytime while traveling. When the bad weather would come upon them they would let down the anchor to keep the boat in a safe, secure place. The idea of an anchor helps us understand the idea of hope for Christians. Sometimes life can seem unsafe or uncertain, just like boats in a storm. Nevertheless, boats can be safe even during a storm if their anchor holds firm to the ground.  When we join God, we are safe even through the storms. We may be weak, but God is strong.

In red letters at the end of John chapter 16 Jesus says, "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." This verse is saying, instead of turning to worldly things, appreciate that in Jesus, you will have peace. This verse was when Jesus was preparing the disciples for his death. Jesus told the disciples them that their mourning and grieving will turn to joy. Jesus knew that when he was put to death the world would rejoice. Jesus wanted to reassure the disciples that even when he died that he would still be with them, and in that they will find joy.

Faithfulness is defined as true to one's word, promises, and vows. It can also be defined as reliable, trusted, or believed. Lamentations 3:23 says, "(His mercies) They are new every morning: great is your faithfulness." We should be 100% reliable on Jesus. Every morning we should wake up and immediately thank God for another day he has given us.

Reading red letters in the Bible helps me to understand the Bible even more. It is almost as if a story is being told, but Jesus actually said these things. It makes it even more real for me. This is a book full of the greatest lessons you could learn. If you don't know where to start, I suggest either reading through Matthew 5&6 or the humbling story of when Jesus washed the disciples feet in John 13. In the red letters there is love, truth, hope, peace, and faithfulness. Live a life for Jesus and I promise you that you will not regret it.