Today’s Reading: Philippians 1:1-2 ESV
“Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”
More About Philippians 1:1-2
Written by Melissa Spoelstra (First 5 Ministries)
As we consider Paul’s greeting to the church at Philippi, we can’t help but notice that his desires for them were more spiritual than physical. Paul didn’t say, “wealth and comfort to you through working hard.” Instead he said, “grace and peace to you through God the Father and Christ the Son” (Philippians 1:2).
Many times, the blessings I desire for those I love include comfort, release from trials, good health and financial blessing. Paul’s aspiration for those he loved went well beyond circumstantial fixes. He opened his letters with a greeting of grace and peace, setting a tone of eternal priorities over temporal ones.
This serves as a great reminder to us that spiritual blessings are much more valuable than physical ones. As we consider our prayers, conversations and even greetings, we can focus on qualities like grace and peace, knowing these blessings can be realized even in the midst of trials and difficulties.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for Your grace and peace. Help me not to look for it in other places. As I greet my family members, friends and neighbors, I long to give blessings rather than criticism. Fill me with grace and peace so that I can give it away to others. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Journal Prompt: What are some practical ways you can remind someone today that grace and peace can be theirs in Christ?
