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. God's grace is immeasurable, His mercy is inexhaustible, His peace is inexpressible. He gives more grace when the burdens grow greater. He sends more strength when the labors increase, to added affliction He adds His mercy, and to multiplied trials, His multiplied peace.
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