1 Tim 1:2 (KJV) Unto Timothy, my own son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.
Grace, Mercy and Peace!
What a precious blessing it is to wish someone “grace, mercy and peace.” In our fast consumption world where information is dosed out in visual bytes and sound bites, we think it enough to walk away having a vague notion of grace, mercy and peace as being good things to want and have. Indeed, grace, mercy and peace are good. But we rob ourselves of having a deeper understanding of the word of God, and the ways of God (which should also be our ways), if we don’t look further to get a better understanding of what this short verse is about. What was it that Paul was desiring for his adopted son Timothy to have, and why is this a good thing to pray for all men to have? In looking deeper, we gain insight into the profound richness of being blessed with grace, mercy and peace. Which brings us of course, to another word study. We will start with grace.
English: Resurrection of Christ (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
What Is Grace?
According to Strong’s Talking Greek and Hebrew dictionary, the original Greek word translated as “grace” is χάρις (Transliteration: charis & Phonetic Pronunciation:khar’-ece). Charis is a noun (feminine) meaning: Accept, Accepted, Acceptable, Benefit, Benefactor, Favor, Favored, Grace, Liberal, Liberality, Liberally, Thank, Thanks, Thankful, Thankfulness, Thanksgiving, Thankworthy.
In 1 Tim 1:2, the word “grace” is a portal, or insight into the love of God, the sacrificial atoning death of Jesus, and the magnanimity of the gift of salvation. By the grace of our God the Father, our Benefactor, we are accepted into the family of God, and made joint heirs with Christ Jesus, for which we should be thankful. This one word, grace, unifies both benefactor (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) and the favored ones (us). Without the grace of God we could not be made acceptable to stand in His presence. By the grace of God, may we be thankful for the mercy of God. Let us be grateful for how through faith in the sacrificial and atoning death and resurrection of Jesus we are made “accepted in the Beloved.” The following verses explain what grace is:
Ephesians 2:8
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Titus 2:11
For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,
Hebrews 4:16
Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
The next lesson will discuss mercy. Until then, may
“The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.” Philemon 1:25
Until next time: “Be strong in the Lord and the power of His might!”
Your friend in Christ,
Verneda
Twitter handle: @vlights
© 2012 Verneda Lights. All Rights Reserved.
Updated May 17, 2015
