2 Corinthians 13:14 - The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen (KJV).This is a very popular scripture, even unbelievers know this one. We say it every day, most of the time without thinking. Why did Apostle Paul sign off his letter to the Corinthians with this prayer, what does it really mean?
Well, let’s dissect this scripture.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ; now this isn’t just any statement, the apostle was very specific, after all, he could have said the love of Jesus be with you, or Jesus be with you, but he said the grace. So what is so special about the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ? You see, the Greek word for grace is charis, which means divine influence upon the heart. Luke 2:40 says, "and the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him", this means that it was the grace of God that enabled Jesus to die on the cross for us, it was this grace that caused him not to falter knowing what horrible death He would die. John 1:14 also says, "and the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth." The grace caused Jesus to fulfill divine destiny, that grace led Jesus to the cross of Calvary and because of it we shall be saved, see Acts 15:11 "But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they." That same grace that was made available for Jesus Christ through His life’s journey, is available for you and I today throughout our life’s journey. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ is with you, it’s in you, influencing you and cheering you on. It’s your driving force.
...And the love of God; this part of the closing prayer speaks for itself. John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." God so loved us that He gave up His only son to gain us. It was that love that sent Jesus Christ to die for us, so that we should not perish but come to the knowledge of God. This is the amazing love that was evident even while we were sinners. It’s the same love of God that picks you up in its arms and keeps you safe from harm; it wipes away your tears, grants you sweet sleep and wakes you up every morning. How great is that love? Nothing can separate you from that love, see Romans 8: 38-39. Nothing can keep you away from our Father’s love. I’m falling deeper in love with Him just thinking about that love.
...And the communion of the Holy Ghost; I could write a whole book on this one right here and still have more to say about it. The Greek word for communion is koinnonia, meaning fellowship/intercourse/participation. The words here describe what our relationship with the Holy Ghost should be like. The Holy Ghost is my inseparable partner, my best friend and my lover, our hearts beat as one, and my spirit is one with Him. Jesus did not want to leave us comfortless; He didn’t want to leave us without a guide, a teacher and a friend, so He prayed the father to send the Holy Ghost. John 14:16-19, 26. The Holy Ghost teaches us all things, He reveals God the father and Jesus to us and He is always with us.
As a born again, Holy Ghost Filled and led Christian, I have with me at all times, the following;
1. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ
2. The Love of God
3. The fellowship of the Holy Ghost
And let’s not forget the angels that have been assigned to us as well, but I won’t talk about that now.
This is the three in one, the Holy Trinity (the father, the son and the Holy Spirit), all with me? Wow! Philippians 2:1 "If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies". Consolation here reminds me of grace as in; if Christ did it so can I because I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me, that consoles me.
What a powerhouse you are. You are carrying the fullness of God on the inside of you. You are the living Ark of the Covenant and you carry the kingdom of heaven in you. Next time you say ‘the grace’, remember that you are declaring that you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar person who should show forth the praises of God (1 Peter 2:9).
You have the Holy trinity on the inside of you, and the world must know it.
Rise up! Hold your head up high and walk like you know that you have JEHOVAH on the inside of you, you’re full of God.
(Written by Yewande Erinle © All rights reserved.)
