The prayers found in the New Testament contain some of the most precious reminders in scripture. Take 2 Corinthians 13:14 for example: “May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all”.
Paul begins by focusing on the grace that is found in Christ. Sometimes, churches shy away from talking about grace because they worry that if it is too prominent then people will not take discipleship seriously. There is a concern that people will, “Keep on sinning so God can keep on forgiving” (Romans 6:1).
While that danger does exist, we face an even greater problem if we try to alter the message and that is that we have nothing else to offer. Grace is our message! The grace of Christ is the only entry point into the blessings of God (John 14:6). It is the attractive part! Grace must always be the centrepiece of our teaching. “I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified” (1 Corinthians 2:2).
Paul then prays that they would know the love of God. In my experience, it is easier for people to believe that God forgives them than it is for them to believe that God loves them. We can imagine God being coerced to forgive because of the cross, but it is harder to believe that he delights in us. However, that is exactly what scripture says: “The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing” (Zephaniah 3:17).
Lastly, Paul prays that they would know the fellowship of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit connects us to God and to one another in ways that are deeper and more meaningful than any earthly connection. There is a reason that we are called God’s family (Ephesians 3:15).
This past year has been difficult, and it is easy to think about what we have lost.
Maybe it is time to re-focus on what we have and what can never be touched by our ever-changing circumstances.
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