Verse for today – “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:2).”

This is how Paul begins almost every letter he writes to the churches. Peter and John sometimes send the same greeting when they write. It is a consistent message, and a very encouraging message God sent to His church.

We are living in the age of grace. During this time in our world’s history, since the coming of Jesus Christ to the earth, God is extending His hand to the world and offering forgiveness and hope. In the book of John Jesus said, “For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him (John 3:17).” When Jesus came to the earth, He knew that we needed His help. So, Jesus came and personally paid the price for all sin. All people have sinned and broken God’s heart! All deserve punishment. Our debt is enormous! But instead of demanding we pay the price, God Himself sent His Son Jesus and paid it! Now He is offering forgiveness. This is grace! Some have defined this word, grace, as the love of God shown to the unlovely. Others have said it is God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense. Others say it is whatever you need to supply your need at this moment. Here, in Ephesians 1:2, it is God’s message to His church, a called-out body of believers who belong to Him and are trying to follow Him.

The message of peace is equally important. Jesus put it this way: “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful (John 14:27).” Because God is for us, a fact that will become absolutely clear in the following verses of Ephesians 1, we can have peace. There is nothing too big for our God to handle! There is no load too heavy for Him to lift. Be at peace Christian! Leave your worries and troubles in God’s great hands and be at peace!