Grace and Peace

eDevotion

Encouragement for your daily walk with God 

Before you read this short eDevotion, I want you to understand that nothing you face today is beyond the purview of God’s grace and peace.

Grace and peace was a benediction in Paul’s writings. It must have touched his heart deeply because he offered it in each of his epistles and wrote about both the words throughout his letters. 

Grace: God’s outpouring of favor on undeserving mankind. Every blessing, every provision, every benefit we receive is by God’s grace. It’s so vast that Peter called it the “manifold grace of God” [1 Peter 1.10]. Since our trials are manifold and multifaceted, God’s grace is all-sufficient, available to sustain us through anything we experience in life.

Peace needs a little explanation. The Greek word for peace is used many ways in the New Testament. In Paul’s benedictions, I think he is using it in the sense of the Hebrew word, Shalom. If that is the case, peace bears the idea of security, safety, prosperity, and joy because peace and harmony make and keeps things safe and prosperous, bringing joy. 

I once read that the Wycliffe translators were seeking a word for “peace” in the language of the Chol Indians of South Mexico. They chose the words quiet heart for peace. How appropriate. Peace protects our soul against worry, anxiety, contention, and strife. It produces consolation and harmony.

Paul wrote, “Let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace” [Colossians 3.15]. And to the Philippian Christ followers he wrote, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” [4.6-7].

The early church had a common greeting, “Grace to you, and peace.” Both grace and peace were common in the church, but uncommon among unbelievers. That was true in Paul’s day and in ours too. Soul saving grace and heart-guarding peace belong only to those who belong to God. That’s you and me — Christ followers! So, let me say it again in another way, nothing you face today is beyond the purview of God's all-sufficient grace and His heart-guarding peace.

May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace. Philippians 1.2