Heavenly Grace and Peace

1 Corinthians 1:3 – Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. (KJV)

God is the Creator of all things seen and unseen and is also the creator of every good and perfect gift. ‘Grace’ is the free and unmerited favor of God. ‘Favor’ is an act of kindness beyond what is due or usual. ‘Peace’ is freedom from disturbance.

The Greeks used to greet each other with the word ‘Grace’, whereas the Jewish salutation was the word ‘Peace’.  When Paul wrote this letter to the people in the church of Corinth, he was going to exhort them for their wrong behavior, so he very tactfully prepared their hearts with this kind greeting: Grace be unto you, and Peace. From God. And from the Lord Jesus Christ.

Grace. Paul knew that we all need God’s grace which sanctifies our souls in order for us to receive God’s free love. He desired to remind them at that time, and us today, that we all need the grace which flows from God’s throne through Jesus, to all of us.

Peace. We all need peace today. Even when everything seems wrong or disturbing to us, let us remember that Jesus Christ commanded us very firmly “ ‘do not’ let your hearts be troubled and ‘do not’ be afraid.  He said: Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. (John 14:27). He also asks us to believe in him also. (John 14:1). Jesus said: “I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world!” (John 16:33)

And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7)