I have a small collection of handwritten notes of encouragement from my Dad. I have a study Bible with his notes scribbled in the margins.  I have a couple of his sermon outlines on the pages of that Bible including some notes for a sermon on the pages between the two letters addressed to the Thessalonians. Needless to say, I cherish those notes.

I imagine the Thessalonian believers felt the same way as Paul closed his letter with the verses placed in the sidebar as they saw the “sign of genuineness in every letter” of Paul’s.

Like a signature on a letter today, Paul verified the authenticity of the letter with his final comments encouraging the people to live in the peace and grace found only in Christ Jesus.

Paul didn’t know at the time that these letters would be circulated beyond the local believers as Holy Scripture inspired by the Holy Spirit.  He was simply addressing the needs of a local body of believers.

Today, we are making some type of impact on the people around us.  Our lives are being written on their hearts.

How will we be remembered?