May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
2 Corinthians 13:14
Paul normally closed his letters by saying, "Grace be with you." Now it's interesting that Paul used that particular phrase because he had been a most unlikely candidate for accepting the grace of God. Paul spent his "first" career terrorizing first century Christians. He literally persecuted the church and killed Christians. That was his mission. But Christ appeared to him, saved him, and forgave him. And Paul, perhaps more than anyone who has ever lived, was focused on the grace of Christ because he knows he didn't deserve to be chosen to be a child of God. And you know what? None of us do! None of us deserve to have the God of the universe go to a cross and pay that awful penalty for us, so that we might be forgiven and have eternal life.
Paul's salutation reminds us that a thriving church will focus on the grace of God that's found in what Jesus did for us on the cross. A healthy church will emphasize the grace of God, remembering the price Jesus paid in giving us something no one deserves—forgiveness, salvation, and eternal life.
Great Word as always Lee!
So thankful for God's grace and your faithfulness in sharing His love through these devotionals.
May the Lord continue to Bless you in all you do for Him and His Glory!
God Bless,
David B.
Thanks David. No matter what I do, it would never be enough anyhow. But we have to try