2 Corinthians 1:2
Paul’s salutations to the saints always involved the invocation of grace and peace, which he was so keen to point out, came directly and only from the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ (2 Cor. 1:2). This he repeatedly did. He never wanted them to forget from where these blessings came. A church without grace and peace is a scary place. Any abode or system existing without His grace and peace is in a sorry state.
This is not just a trite salutation or an expression of politeness, but a sincere entreaty and desire for the Almighty to overshadow His loved ones with the necessary spiritual blessings that come only from Him and without which, we languish in despair and confusion. Thank God for His glorious extension of grace and peace accompanying us in the astounding darkness of these times.
To us has been given grace – unmerited favor and blessings, and flowing out of that grace, peace has been restored to our hearts. In theology it is known as the freely given, unmerited favor and love of God. It comes from the Greek word “charis” where emphasis is placed on “its freeness and universality, its spontaneous character, as in the case of God’s redemptive mercy, and the pleasure or joy He designs for the recipient” (Vine’s Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words, p500).
Simply stated, someone defined GRACE as “God’s Riches at Christ’s Expenses.” May we never forget that we are the recipients of God’s unmerited favor. There is nothing we could do to ever merit this gift of love and kindness He has graciously bestowed upon us. Sometimes all we can do is stand in stupefying wonder and declare, “Amazing Grace, How Sweet the Sound” as we worship. We are reminded even in these sad times of 2022, that the law demanded the death penalty, but grace abolished death and brought life and immortality to light. The Law said “Die,” but Grace granted a “Stay of execution” and said “Live” you are pardoned.
However, we could have had “grace” without “peace” and still be restless and miserable. Therefore, it is a matter of more than passing significance that there is a blessing called the “Peace of God” that passes all understanding (Phil 4:7). It comes from the Greek word “eirene” and the Hebrew word “shalom.” It speaks of more than an absence of war and conflict. Spinoza declares, “it is a virtue, a state of mind, a disposition for benevolence, confidence, justice”. It involves wholeness, well-being, inner and outward prosperity. It involves reconciliation with God and with each other.
This deep settled peace comes only from above. It is a peace that stays calm in the midst of the storm. It’s unshakable even in the midst of a great pandemic and in the midst of changing times and fortunes. It keeps and steadies the restless heart and mind. It leads besides still waters, causing us to remain calm “when all around our souls give way!” Thank God for divine peace!
We can never forget the priceless words of Jesus to His pilgrim church when He said to them at the outset, “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). As we journey through this another historic year, I declare and invoke over all today, the blessings that can only come from the Father and the Son – Grace and Peace. I know of no greater blessing and, like the apostle Peter, I pray that it shall not only be added unto you but multiplied (2 Peter 1:2). Grace and Peace!
Leroy V. Greenaway
Presiding Bishop – Northeast Region
