The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the holy Spirit be with all of you. 2 Corinthians 13:13 NABRE
Paul is closing out his second letter to the community at Corinth with a blessing. Paul ends on a note of affection and love. He applies this closing blessing to the entire community and reminds them all that they are brothers and sisters, he is a brother as well. He calls them to rejoice in the good things God has done and he is rejoicing with them. He calls them to mend their ways, put an end to sexual immorality and divisive behavior, he wants them to restore their relationships with one another. He challenges them to encourage one another, to agree with one another and to live in peace. He assures them that the God of love and peace with be with them, a future promise as well as something they already experience. He tells them to greet each other with a holy kiss, a kiss of peace if you will. Most likely they will hear this letter in a community gathering and it will be a chance for them to wish each other peace. Paul makes sure they know that all the other communities established send their greeting. Finally Paul wraps it all up with a blessing that the grace of Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with them all. These are solemn words from Paul, a founder of the community and representative of God, Christ and the Spirit, calling down blessing on all the individual members and the community as a whole. Paul has rebuked them, encouraged them, and challenged them and he blesses them, a blessing of peace and love.
God blesses all, and Paul makes it specific for us who hear his words. Accepting the blessing we are held up and encouraged, so we too must encourage others and love each other.
Do you realize the importance of blessing? Do you bless others?
Paul bestows a blessing, the grace of Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with them all. These are solemn words from Paul, a founder of the community and representative of God, Christ and the Spirit,… Share on X#bible #godisgreat #jesus #christianity#dailybibleverse@YouVersion#BeAnEncourager#blessing#peace#Paul#everybodyalways#god#jesuschrist#jesussaves#godisgood#dailydevotion#biblestudy#scripture#bibleverse#verseoftheday#pray#prayer#goodnews#loveeachother#godisgreat#thisVineyard #youversion #everythingalways