1 Thessalonians 1:1b (NIV )
Grace and peace to you.

Several times in the New Testament, we read the words, “Grace and peace to you or grace and peace be multiplied”. But what does this mean?

According to the Easton Bible Dictionary, the word “grace” simply means favor, kindness or friendship. It could also denote God’s forgiven mercy or gifts bestowed on a person. The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia defines “peace” as

“a condition of freedom from disturbance, whether outwardly, as of a nation from war or enemies, or inwardly, within the soul”. It also relates to wholeness, soundness, health and prosperity.

When we bring them together, we need God’s grace to continue to stand in our salvation and enjoy His favor and kindness. His grace brought us into the kingdom.  See Ephesians 2:5. His grace must sustain us to the end. As divine enablement, we need the grace of God to live and do well in order to be a blessing to others.

The peace of God guards our heart away from the turbulence of life. God’s peace keeps us at rest even as we live in dangerous times. We need God’s peace to stand strong so that the gate of hell will not prevail over us. Indeed, we need God’s abundant grace and peace in our life so that we can live the prosperous and peaceful life. Shalom.

Your Turn

• Pray and ask the Lord to fill your life and church with more grace and peace.
• Pray for us that we will enjoy more grace and peace too. Thank you.

Hymn: Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound. 

Further Reading: Isaiah 26:3; 2 Peter 1:2-4.