Christian Writers Circle

Grace and Peace from God
by Brenda D. Flowers

Grace to you and peace from God Our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.  (2 Thessalonians 1:2, NKJV)

Do you have any letters or cards you have received that you treasure? I do. In fact, I have special boxes where I keep these treasures.

Why keep these letters and cards?

I guess I’m sentimental. But I believe the reason I keep these “treasure boxes” filled with letters and cards is because of the messages hidden within them.

The words encourage me. As I read the words, I recall special memories or people. The words, especially the handwritten messages, also give me inspiration, hope and love.

Even after reading only a few of them, I feel energized to share more with others so they too may be encouraged and blessed as I have been.

I love that the Bible includes the letters of people of faith who had first-person encounters with Jesus after His resurrection.

The Bible to me is a treasure book or love letter. I can read over and over the inspired words of God and be encouraged.

I notice that the writers of the letters in the New Testament (Paul, Peter, John and others) often included the statement “grace to you and peace from God” (or similar wording) somewhere in the greeting, body or closing of their letters.

For example, when Paul wrote his letter to a predominantly Gentile audience in Rome, he was inspired to write:

To all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. (Romans 1: 7,  NKJV)

 Grace and peace are like book ends to the glorious life we can experience in Christ.

The writers of the epistles, under the direction of Holy Spirit, wanted us to know this truth.

I encourage you to read through the letters in the New Testament and jot down key messages about God’s grace and peace that comfort and inspire you.

You might want to keep these special love messages from God in a treasure box or journal to recall and share.

I am excited to see how God uses the letters in the Bible to encourage us to live for Him. May our lives exemplify His grace and peace and inspire others to trust Jesus Christ for resurrection life, giving Him glory.