Grace and Peace

Philippians 1:1-2

Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

So much in the two opening verses of Philippians but the big idea for me is that grace is required for any real, true, shalom peace, at least for me. I know grace is the only way we have peace with God. But oh how I need grace to have that internal peace deep down in my broken, selfish, prideful, sinful soul. God’s grace secured for us by Jesus is the one thing that late at night and in my darkest times allows my heart, mind and soul to rest!

James Boice reminds that “Grace is the unmerited and abounding favor of God toward men and peace is the result of that favor. It is the result of the reconciliation of man and God through Jesus’ death - peace obtained at the cross of Christ.”

Serven and Griffith tell us that: “The word Saint does not mean a perfect person. The Bible talks about how a Saint is someone who has been chosen by God, who has been set apart by God, who had been loved by God with a special love. But saints aren’t better people. They are just as messed up as the rest of us…that doesn’t change the fact that saints are loved by God and set apart by him. They are still loved by Christ and forgiven by him. This love motivates them, albeit inconsistently, to live more God-pleasing lives.”

With the grace of God, even an imperfect and broken Saint like me can find peace…

Grace and Peace y’all!