Bless
the Lord, . . . who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies.
The
words grace and peace are found in all of Paul’s greetings in his
New Testament letters to the churches. And
in his letters to Timothy and Titus, he also includes mercy: “Grace,
mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord” (2 Tim.
1:2). Let’s examine each of these words.
Grace is what our holy God gives that we, as
sinful people, don’t deserve. In Acts
17:25, we learn that “He gives to all life, breath, and all things.” His gifts include our very next breath. Even in our darkest hour, strength is given by
God so that we can endure.
Mercy is what God withholds that we do
deserve. In Lamentations 3:22, we read,
“Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed.” Even when we’re wayward, God gives time and
help for us to turn back to Him.
Peace is what God brings to His people. Jesus said: “Peace I leave with you, My peace
I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you” (John 14:27). Even in the worst of times, we have inner
tranquility because our God is in control.
We
can be encouraged that throughout our lives the Lord will give us the grace,
mercy, and peace we need to live for Him.
He
giveth more grace when the burdens grow greater,
He
sendeth more strength when the labors increase;
To
added affliction He addeth His mercy,
To
multiplied trials, His multiplied peace. — Flint
God’s grace is immeasurable, His mercy
is inexhaustible, His peace is inexpressible.
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