Grace and Peace

There’s a reason I don’t describe our Christian life as waging war.  I don’t use walking by the Spirit as the main descriptor either.  I don’t even talk about our life with God as living out spiritual disciplines like reading Scripture and praying.  To be sure, these are all parts of our life with God.  They are not, however, the overarching picture.  They are not the final goal.

Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. (2 Peter 1:2 NIV)

When we utilize the “power tools” that God gives us, we become people who are filled with grace and peace.

For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. (Romans 12:3 NIV)

Grace is a gift.  Grace is love given in return for sin.  When someone hurts us and respond with love and forgiveness, that is grace.  We give grace because God gave us grace.  We hurt God.  We rebelled against God.  We turned our backs on God.  God responded with and offer of Grace.  When we give our neighbors grace, we are showing love to our neighbors as ourselves.

But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (John 14:26-27 NIV)

Peace comes when we listen to God and hold on to His Word.  We believe God’s Word is true.  We follow God’s Word and become righteous.  We live God’s Word and become holy.  The more we do this, the more we experience peace.  When we have peace, even in difficult circumstances, we are loving God with our whole heart, mind, soul, and strength.

He has told you, humanity, what is good, and what Adonai is seeking from you: Only to practice justice, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God. (Micah 6:8 TLV)

It’s about loving God and loving people.  It results in grace and peace.  When we do this we are fighting the enemy and loving people.  When we do this, we are walking by the Spirit.  When we do this, we are being faithful to God’s Word.  When we do this, we are living justice, loving mercy, and walking humbly with our God.

How about you?  Do you experience grace and peace?  Are you walking together with God?