Paul normally closed his letters by saying, “Grace be with you.” Now it’s interesting that Paul used that particular phrase because he had been a most unlikely candidate for accepting the grace of God. Paul spent his “first” career terrorizing first century Christians. He literally persecuted the church and killed Christians. That was his mission. But Christ appeared to him, forgave him, and saved him.

Paul, perhaps more than anyone who has ever lived, was focused on the grace of Christ because he knew he didn’t deserve to be called a child of God. And you know what? None of us do! None of us deserve to have the God of the universe go to a cross and pay that awful penalty for us so that we might be forgiven and have eternal life.

Paul’s salutation reminds us that a thriving church will focus on the grace of God that’s found in what Jesus did for us on the cross. A healthy church will emphasize the grace of God, remembering the price Jesus paid in giving us something no one deserves—forgiveness, salvation, and eternal life. And just a reminder – when Paul talks about “church,”  he’s not talking about a building, because the church is not a building. Jesus’ church is ALL of the sons and daughters of the Risen Lord.

What does grace mean to you? Think about a moment in your life where you deserved judgement, but received grace. Now, think about the grace that Jesus offers every one of us through His death on the cross. Ask God for help reflecting HIS grace through your life today.