[2 Timothy 1:1 - 1:10 ]
Bless the Lord, ... who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies. - Psalm 103:1,4
The words grace and peace are found in all of Paul’s greetings in his New Testament letters to the churches. And in his letters to Timothy and Titus, he also includes mercy: “Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord”(2 Tim.1:2). Let’s examine each of these words.
Grace is what our holy God gives that we, as sinful people, don’t deserve. In Acts 17:25, we learn that “He gives to all life, breath, and all things.” His gifts include our very next breath. Even in our darkest hour, strength is given by God so that we can endure.
Mercy is what God withholds that we do deserve. In Lamentations 3:22, we read, “Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed.” Even when we’re wayward, God gives time and help for us to turn back to Him.
Peace is what God brings to His people. Jesus said: “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you”(John 14:27). Even in the worst of times, we have inner tranquillity because our God is in control.
We can be encouraged that throughout our lives the Lord will give us the grace, mercy, and peace we need to live for Him.
He giveth more grace when the burdens grow greater,
He sendeth more strength when the labors increase;
To added affliction He addeth His mercy,
To multiplied trials, His multiplied peace. — Flint
God’s grace is immeasurable, His mercy is inexhaustible, His peace is inexpressible.
2 Timothy 1:1-10
[1] Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus,
[2] To Timothy, a beloved son： Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
[3] I thank God, whom I serve with a pure conscience, as my forefathers did, as without ceasing I remember you in my prayers night and day,
[4] greatly desiring to see you, being mindful of your tears, that I may be filled with joy,
[5] when I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also.
[6] Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands.
[7] For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
[8] Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God,
[9] who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began,
[10] but has now been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who has abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel,
Source: ODB
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