Grace and Peace

I hope that these notes are an encouragement to somebody, as I just haven't had time to sit down and write a "normal" post. So instead, here are my thoughts on Colossians 1:2 :

• Col 1:2

  To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

• First, the love that Paul bears to these Colossian Christians is incredible! There is some speculation as to whether Paul had ever actually visited Colosse or not. (see Colossians 2:1) However, regardless, Paul loved these saints dearly, and cared immensely for their spiritual growth. Do I have this same love for my fellow Christians? How am I or how can I help to encourage others in their walk with Christ?

• The saints at Colosse are referred to as “faithful brethren”. What does faithful mean? Not necessarily brilliant, or having done any heroic deed, but being diligent, steady, valiant in the small things, counting no job beneath them, always true to the cause of Christ. Could the same be said of me? What “little things” do I need to be more faithful in?

• Paul then salutes them with two things from the Lord. Grace and Peace.

• God has given me grace without measure. Am I faithful to extend that grace to others? Do I partake of that grace, and acknowledge it? Or do I forget about grace and simply live a self-focused life? How can I be more gracious towards others?

• Peace. Do I allow my heart to be filled with the peace that Christ offers? Or do I try to solve all my problems alone? Do I live peaceably with others? Especially my family? How can better allow Christ to make peace in my soul? How can I create a peaceful environment for others?

• Just as Paul acknowledges that his authority is of God, not of himself, he also acknowledges that the grace and peace he offers is not of him, but of God. Am I faithful to give God the glory for what He has done? Do I focus on other Christians as my source of grace and peace, or do I look to Christ?

• The word “grace” is found 163 times in the Bible, literally starting in Genesis and ending in Revelation. Do I allow God's grace to shine as obviously in my life as it does in His word? Am I becoming more like the Living Word?

• Peace is found 431 times, again, spanning from Genesis to Revelation. Does God's peace infiltrate my life to that extent? Does peace radiate from my countenance as it does from the pages of His Word?

• Do my words reflect His words? Am I speaking of grace and peace, or am I focused more on sarcasm?

• Am I a messenger of Grace and Peace to my brothers in Christ as Paul was?