Revelation 3:13
He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
That is how the letter to Philadelphia closes. But it is more than a closing line. It is a call. Jesus is saying, If you are listening, really listening, then hear what the Spirit is saying to all the churches.
And what is the Spirit saying through Philadelphia?
He is speaking of brotherly love.
He is speaking of evangelism.
He is speaking of holding fast.
Those are the marks of this church. Philadelphia is the church of open doors, of love for the brethren, of faithfulness to the Word, and of a heart that reaches outward. It is a church that not only believes truth, but carries that truth to others. It is a church that not only talks about Jesus coming, but lives in a way that makes people around them aware that Jesus is real.
That is why evangelism is so closely connected to love. If I really love people, I will care about where they stand with God. If I really love people, I will not be content to let them drift without prayer, without witness, without hope. Love does not just feel. Love reaches. Love speaks. Love serves. Love goes.
That is why Philadelphia is such a beautiful church.
It is perhaps captured well in that often repeated thought, “Witness wherever you go, and if absolutely necessary, use words.” There is something true in that. Our lives should back up our message. There ought to be a visible reality about us. The way we live, the way we treat people, the way we carry ourselves, the way we love, all of that ought to say something about Jesus before we ever open our mouths.
But sooner or later, love does speak. Love does testify. Love does point to Christ. Because evangelism is not merely about having a certain tone or kindness. It is about helping people come to the One who saves.
So when Jesus says, “He that hath an ear, let him hear,” He is calling every church and every believer to hear this clearly. Brotherly love is not optional. Evangelism is not a side ministry for a few intense people. Holding fast is not just for scholars or prophecy students. These are the very characteristics of a healthy church.
A church that loves deeply will reach outward naturally.
A church that holds fast to the Word will want others to hear it.
A church that is watching for Jesus will care about souls.
Beloved, may the Lord give us ears to hear. May He make us people of brotherly love. May He make us faithful in witness. May He help us hold fast to what He has given us. And may our lives be so filled with the love of Christ that the world around us cannot help but see that Jesus is real.