John's Epistle           
 
Grace and Peace
 
Maybe you have noticed over the past three years that I almost always sign my letters and articles with the same three words: "Grace and Peace."
 
I have been doing that for so long now that I can't remember exactly when I picked up the habit. What I can recall is where it came from: I first noticed those words used in the same way by a former pastor, someone who has been a mentor to me for most of my youth and adult life. At first I thought it was strange, because I hadn't ever seen anyway sign a letter with that parting wish. It seemed, well, quaint.
 
Still, I respected this man so much that I started-occasionally-to sign my letters the same way. It was years later that I finally discovered why he signed his letters that way: it was directly from scripture. Back then I wasn't nearly as familiar with the words of scripture as I am now!
 
The apostle Paul routinely used the greeting "Grace and Peace" in his writings and the words are found in other letters of the New Testament, as well. It is such a nice wish, regardless of the circumstances of the one receiving it. In fact, I send that wish so often now, that it has become something I pray for people all the time, whether I know they are grieving, or going to a job interview, or getting married. These words are always appropriate! 
 
Their meaning is precious to me, not because of their association with scripture or someone who has been a wonderful Christian example in my life, but because they always bring me back to what is central to me about faith. Have you ever heard someone say, "I don't know how I would have gotten through that time without my faith ..."? There is someone who has received the blessings of Grace and Peace.
 
Grace is that active presence of God's Spirit that lifts us up in our worst times and celebrates with us in our best times. Grace watches over us and assures us of forgiveness and redemption. Grace is what allows us to bear love to one another. And Peace-God's peace-is what follows and flows from Grace.
 
I once heard it said like this: For a Christian, Grace always comes first, then Peace. In other words, without Grace, there is no Peace. And wherever you find Peace, you can rest assured that God's Grace has provided it.
 
So, my friends, I offer this wish to you once again.
 
Grace and Peace,
Pastor John