The power of peace and grace.
photo by cottonbro studio
The flight is delayed with no estimated departure time. The air is thick with frustration. I’m not sure why these people don’t just sit down. I bump into one as I try to slide by, and I can almost hear them snarl.
The customer service agents are taxed to their limit. The person in front of me is tapping their foot; it’s clearly doing no good, but I’m tempted to do the same.
Good grief, can’t these people wait their turn? I paid extra so I wouldn’t have to wait. I try my deep breathing exercises, but all that comes out is steam.
We are a busy, busy, world — a crowd living in the middle of chaos. And wherever two or more are gathered — for any reason, it seems — the opportunity for irritation is in the midst of us. How we respond — with aggravation, self-pity, or resentment — is catchy. Worse than COVID.
It works both ways, you know. That catchy part. Because wherever two or more are gathered together, the opportunity for blessing, too, is there.
As an intangible force, our attitude affects the atmosphere. Just as my bad vibe can spew tension into the space around me, the grace and peace of God oozing out of me can be a benediction.
Sound new-agey? Not so fast.
The apostle Paul knew it to be true. To each of the churches, he said: “Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” Sometimes as a greeting, sometimes as a goodbye. But always as a blessing. It was a benediction — a prayer addressed to both God and His people.
It was an invitation for heaven to touch earth.
Though Paul and the churches faced some serious situations, many of his exhortations were simply about attitude — things like selfishness, impatience, and pride. Everyday struggles — people things. Things that affected the state of the heart. And his benediction offers the antidote: the partnership of grace and peace.
Paul carried it. He deposited it. He owned it, and he gave it. Peter and John did too.
But as all things good and right and true, it began with Jesus.
He gave his disciples His peace as an asset:
As you enter the home, give it your greeting. If the home is deserving, let your peace rest on it; if it is not, let your peace return to you. (Matthew 10:13, NIV)
He gave them His peace as a shield:
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 14:27, NIV)
He gave them His peace as an unconventional weapon in their commission to change the world:
Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” (John 20:21, NIV)
Hear me, sent ones:
The peace of God prepares our hearts, and grace is God at work.
Grace is not simply God granting something we don't deserve. Grace resides in our souls, and it grows.
And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was on him. (Luke 2:40, NIV)
It transfers.
For of His fullness we have all received, and grace upon grace. (John 1:16, NASB)
Grace is God’s offering of something that can change us and the world around us. Really. Truly. The Scripture gives an example of it right here:
And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need. (Acts 4:33–35, NIV)
God’s grace giving birth to godly action. Not just healing and deliverance, but selflessness and generosity.
I choose to walk in peace. To grow in grace. To change my attitude and change the world.
Sitting still to pray. Offering kindness to the agents. Giving my place to the impatient.
Small things. Powerful things. Filling my space with the atmosphere of heaven.
The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you. (Romans 16:20, NIV)