“Grace and peace to you from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.” Ephesians 1:2

Good morning! How are you?

Fine. You?

Great!

What if we turned stale greetings into blessings?

When I remember the sweet times that I have had with my daughter, I smile and want to bless her. I recently texted her to remind her of a gift she gave me decades ago. It makes me smile every time I see it or touch it. She saved her allowance and bought a tiny, gold filigree grand piano, complete with miniature sheet music and a fragile bench for my birthday.  It still sits on my piano. When I see that little gift, I remember our loving relationship, and I reach out to bless her.

Memories Bless

Paul spent about three years sharing the gospel with the believers in Ephesus, the Roman capital of the Asian province (now Turkey). The city became the center for Paul’s ministry in the region.

Paul remembers his relationship with God and with these faithful saints. He loved them deeply.

Like I was when I thought of my daughter’s love, Paul reached out to the Ephesians. From a Roman prison, a blessing of grace and peace flowed from his pen.

Grace Frames

I can see the readers and listeners of the letter to the Ephesians smiling as they remember Paul teaching them about grace.

Maybe they talked after the letter was read to them about the grace that Paul continued to extend to them.

Grace is God giving undeserving men and women favor, blessings, and the gift of salvation that is only possible because Jesus paid the price for our sin, death. (Ephesians 2:8)

Grace conquers sin (James 4:6), justifies us (declared right with God) (Romans 3:24, Titus 3:7), gives us eternal comfort and hope (2 Thessalonians 2:16), and helps us in our needs (Hebrews 4:16).

Paul frames Ephesians with a blessing of grace at the beginning and ending of the letter. (Ephesians 1:2, 6:24)

John Piper suggested that when the believers gathered to hear the letter being read that they stood in grace and that as they dispersed, they walked with grace.

Peace Saturates

Peace follows grace. Jesus bestows a godly peace upon believers, a peace during trouble, a calm that dismisses worry and fear. (John 14:27) This peace guards our hearts and minds because we are justified before God by faith in Jesus’ redeeming work on the cross.  (Philippians 4:7, Romans 5:1)

Peace is also a gift from God. Jesus promised the disciples and us that He leaves two gifts, the Holy Spirit and peace. This peace is not a casual greeting. Today, “shalom” can be much like “hi” or “goodbye.” God’s peace guards our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (John 14:27, Philippians 4:7, Colossians 3:15)

The little piano reminds me of my daughter’s love gift, and it prompts me to bless her. I want to bless her with grace and peace.

Would you like to be greeted with grace and peace?

May blessings pour forth from our lips when we remember our relationships with God and faithful believers.

Tweet

What a greeting of love and blessing!

“Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with love incorruptible.” Ephesians 6:24

What a gracious and love-filled goodbye!

My Prayer

Our Father, what a privilege to be called your sons and daughters. Thank You for faithful Christian friends. Cause us to remember how blessed we are in our relationships. May blessings flow from our hearts onto others as we remember Your great love, grace, and peace. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Take the challenge!
Turn your greetings into blessings for 3 days.
Return to this post and tell us what you experienced.

Make your commitment today in the Comments Section. We look forward to what you will share in 3 days.