Choosing Wisely
May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
~ 2 Corinthians 13:14 ~
This benediction at the end of 2 Corinthians is rich with meaning. It refers to the entire Trinity. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ is His kindness to us demonstrated by His substitutionary death on the cross for our sins and His resurrection. His kindness to us is our privilege to experience even when things are tough.
The love of God is explained in John 3:16 - For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself not counting their trespasses against them.
The fellowship of the Holy Spirit refers to the member of the Trinity who seeks to glorify Christ in our lives by giving us the power to witness for our Lord Jesus Christ. He desires to inspire within us the fruit of the Spirit - love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. We are not marionettes or puppets for we are told not to grieve the Spirit not to quench Him. We have the choice. Choose wisely.
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Written by Pastor Frank Humphrey.
Posted posthumously.