2 Corinthians 3:1-6

2 Corinthians 3:1-6

New International Version (NIV)

3 Are we beginning to commend ourselves again? Or do we need, like some people, letters of recommendation to you or from you? ² You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everyone. ³ You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.

⁴ Such confidence we have through Christ before God. ⁵ Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. ⁶ He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant—not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.
  
The practice of letters of recommendation still exists today.  In fact I as a man looking for a job am required to have at least 3 references that will vouch form me.  People who know me that can say, "Peter is a good worker.". 

Paul did not need a letter.  The conversion of the people at Corinth were his proof.  His confidence in the message came from God, through Christ.  He did not require a letter from human hands that cannot save a person.  He carried the Holy Spirit, who regenerated the souls of those who believed in Christ.

So...application.  I need to practice what I know about God's word more so that I too will gain Paul's level of confidence in it.  In fact just last night I took a big step in exercizing that confidence in an area that I struggle greatly.  Praise God for little victories that will one day lead to great ones.

God Bless.