Colossians 1:2
“To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ who are in Colosse: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”
Someone has observed that in the Bible, Grace is not a blue-eyed blonde. A much better definition for Grace might be rendered as God’s undeserved favor at Christ’s expense. I like that a lot better!
I recall watching a television program depicting the brilliant apprehension of criminals with warrants for serious crimes. Knowing that most people like to receive free prizes, the authorities sent notices to the wanted individuals stating that they had won a large screen television. They only had to appear at a particular address with proper identification in order to receive their prize. To the criminal’s shock and dismay, however, instead of a receiving a TV they were placed in handcuffs and sent to the county jail to answer for their crimes.
The other word that Paul uses as a greeting in this letter is the word peace. In the Greek it is defined as the tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and content with its earthly lot, of whatsoever sort that is.
Paul greets his readers with two terms that we should learn to share with other believers we have contact with. Think what a difference it would make if we blessed all other believers with GRACE AND PEACE! Let’s try.
May God grant you His GRACE and PEACE.
– – – Pastor Cecil