"Grace
to you and peace from God"
– Philippians 1:2
Exposition:
How do we often greet one
another in the morn, noon, evening, and night? We often say meaningless and
purposeless salutations like Good morning, Good evening, and so on! We do not
know what they mean or why we say so. It was not so for the Apostle Paul. He
picked some of the most cherished and needed blessings for his addressees —
Grace and Peace.
If not for the grace of God, we
would be damned forever; if not for the grace of God, we would lose our
salvation; if not for the grace of God, we wouldn't have any hope. If not we
have peace with God, we would still be the enemies of God; if not we have the
peace with God, we wouldn't be able to come before God even in prayer; if not
we have the peace with God, we would perish in His wrath.
Paul wants his readers to be
constantly reminded of this truth— that we'd started on the foundation of God's
grace and God's peace towards us, and we flourish only on it, and we must
continually live therein. O Grace and Peace, what marvellous words! How needful
of them in our life's journey till we reach heaven's shore.
What have we often wished for
others? Good luck? All
the best? Prosperous Life? Successful exam? These aren't evil, but are they not
temporary and devoid of eternal significance? Would we start to wish for one
another Grace and Peace! We do that by meditating and talking more about Grace
and Peace.
Personal Reflection:
·
When was the last time I wished Grace and Peace for
others?
·
When was the last time I talked about the Grace and Peace
of God in my life and in the life of the person whom I was talking to?
Personal Commitment:
·
I must often think and converse of God's grace and peace,
yes, especially in all the mundane things of life.
Prayer:
Lord, may Your grace be
sufficient for me! Help me to be gracious to others as You have been to me,
Amen!