Grace, mercy, and peace…
Summary: In his role as an apostle, Paul is able to offer the gifts of God to Timothy and us.
The structure of Paul’s first sentence in this letter is interesting. Here is the whole sentence—watch what he does:
“Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, according to the promise of the life which is in Christ Jesus, to Timothy, my beloved child: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Paul is an apostle. He is sent by the Lord Jesus to be an emissary for the Gospel. His specific mission is to the Gentile world.
When God sends a representative, they do not go alone. God goes with them. Often, although not always, signs and wonders go with the person representing God. Moses, for example, performed many great signs before Pharaoh and the people of Israel.
In Paul’s particular case, he, too, has performed signs and wonders. These signs testify to the fact that God is working through Paul and that his testimony is affirmed by the power of God.
Now, we see him doing something different.
In addition to preaching the Gospel, Paul is dispensing gifts from the Father. He doesn’t say, “May the grace of God be with you.” Instead, he confidently says that he is sending grace, mercy, and peace from the Father and Jesus Christ to Timothy.
And what lavish gifts!
Grace — the favor of God poured out on a person by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Mercy — Instead of the punishment we deserve because of our fallen nature, God extends his love and affection to us.
Peace — the peace that passes all understanding (Philippians 4:7, RSV).
It is hard to express the profound effect that the combination of these three gifts can have on a person.
Imagine receiving a letter from Paul directed to you personally. In the letter, he opens with the same words he has written to Timothy. Now realize that God, in fact, offers you these same gifts!
His mercy is extended to all people. As long as we are alive in the flesh, we have the opportunity to return to God and be welcomed home.
When we accept Jesus as our Savior, God’s grace is poured into our lives in the form of the Holy Spirit.
When we have God’s mercy, the love of Jesus, and the grace that comes with the presence of the Holy Spirit, we also have God’s peace.
Application: Enjoy the gifts of God!
Food for Thought: How do grace, mercy, and peace help us to be disciples of Jesus?
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How do grace, mercy, and peace help us to be disciples of Jesus?
To be a disciple of Jesus means to submit one’s entire life to reflect the teachings and character of Jesus. As His disciples, He wants us to love one another.
John 13:34–35 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.
But we are incapable of truly loving as He loves us “on demand.” I would be the first to admit that sometimes it is difficult to feel love for someone I don’t particularly care for, but I am still capable of showing love to them through kindness and patience, helping them when they are in need. I am able to do this through Christ because I know the Father loves them just as He loves me.
Matthew 5:43-45
43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.
So, in knowing that the Father loves all of us, and has provided the way back to Him through Christ, I know I am forgiven. I believe this is where truly loving others starts. It is hard to resent someone else when I can recognize that I am loved despite my past, and that I can only continue forward in love through the guidance of the Spirit.
Luke 7:47
47 Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little.”
So, how do grace, mercy, and peace help us to be disciples of Jesus? Grace, mercy, and peace come from God, through Christ, and through the leading of the Holy Spirit. They enable us to love God and love our neighbor. In doing so, our life is a reflection of Christ’s teaching and character. We are then His disciples.
Chris,
Excellent synopsis. The power of God is the power of Love!
Thank you!
How do grace, mercy, and peace help us to be disciples of Jesus?
1.) We live in great confidence as we come to know, we now live in Gods never ending grace.
Lamentations 3:22-24, The Lord’s love never ends; his mercies never stop. 23 They are new every morning, Lord, your loyalty is great. 24 I say to myself, “The Lord is mine, so I hope in him.”
2.) He shows His eternal mercy to all as we live in Him, in this increasingly imperfect world.
Psalm 136, O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.
3.) Gods peace is given to all His people! It is in His strength we confidently walk in peace through times of great peril
2 THESSALONIANS 3:16, Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.
If we lack the faith/wisdom to live in His blessings, we need only ask for greater faith, knowing He is faithful and just and will always protect and hold up His created children.
JAMES 1:5, If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.
Ron,
Thank you! That is a beautiful overview of grace, mercy, and peace in the Bible!