The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost be with you all. Amen. 2 Corinthians 13:14
Many denominational churches use this verse as a benediction at the end of their services. It certainly makes a good one. It invokes the blessing of all three Persons in the Trinity. The blessings: grace, love, and communion; what a lovely trio! And that we should all be blessed with them is a lovely prayer. How often, though, do we think about these terms and how they apply to us? Let’s do that now.
The grace of the Lord Jesus is referred to often in the New Testament. 2 Corinthians 8:9 tells us of His grace – that, though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that ye through His poverty might be rich. Our text is a prayer that His grace might be with us… not only as recipients of His grace, but displayers of that grace to others, willing to impoverish ourselves that others will be blessed. Do we have that grace?
The love of God is greater far than tongue or pen can ever tell. The love of God is manifested to us in the giving of His Son, as so many precious verses of Scripture remind us. God’s giving, selfless, unlimited love serves as a pattern for us. Our text is a prayer that we will have that love, not only as recipients of that love, but as displayers of that love to others. Are we willing to sacrifice all, are we willing to love without demands, as God loves?
The most important thing that draws people together is the fact that they share something of significance. It might be a school they attended, a disease they suffer from, or a hobby they share… people feel a kinship when they share something that means a great deal to them. When it comes to Christians, one common feature about all of us is that we are indwelt by the Holy Spirit. We can’t share anything more significant than that! The prayer in today’s text is for communion – or fellowship – with the Holy Spirit. That includes far more than a communion with Him as our Comforter, our Sustainer, our Encourager, our source of strength and hope. It also entails a communion with all those in Whom the Spirit dwells. Do we seek such communion? Do we place the emphasis on that Communion that God does?
Our text is so much more than a benediction. It is also a reminder of all that we are and have in our Salvation. And it is also a reminder of what we ought to be as Christians. -Jim MacIntosh