“GRACE and PEACE be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord…” (2 Peter 1:2) There is no doubt what Peter means. He assumes we will need MORE GRACE and PEACE. And we do. In this life we will never be able to say, “I have arrived. I have all the grace and peace I can use.” NO WE DON’T. If there is more coming, we can have more. And we need more.
The usual translation from where the word “grace” comes from is the Greek charis: (a gift or blessing brought to man by Jesus Christ), which occurs in the New Testament about 150 times. Paul describes grace as the DESIRE and POWER to do God’s will. “…work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who WORKS IN YOU both TO WILL and TO DO for HIS (God’s) GOOD PLEASURE.” (Phil. 2:12-13)
Remember what Jesus said, “…seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and ALL THESE THINGS (our daily needs) shall be ADDED to you.” (Matt. 6:33) Somethings are added to us but the really important things we need are MULTIPLIED to us. Like PEACE, the Greek for peace is (eirēnē: contentment, security, safety, prosperity exemption from the rage and chaos of war) the scripture says, “the PEACE OF GOD, which SURPASSES (huperechō: to excel, to be superior) ALL understanding, will GUARD YOUR HEARTS AND MINDS through Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:7)
Many people encounter traumatic events in their lifetime, particularly those living in situations of war or violent conflict. It is estimated that about 22% of people who live in conflict-affected areas of the world live with a mental health condition, such as DEPRESSION, ANXIETY OR POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER. Oh how we all need the PEACE OF GOD because it will guard our hearts and minds in a way that goes far beyond our ability to understand.
DEAR LORD, LET US LIVE IN YOUR MULTIPLIED GRACE AND PEACE…
Your Personal Pastor -Bill Stockham