December 21
The Benediction
of Grace
2 Corinthians 13:14
May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with all of you.
Daily Steps
As our devotional journey nears its end, we conclude with a classic Final Benediction—a summary of all that has been taught and promised. This verse encapsulates the entire reality of the Christian life, directing our focus to the three distinct, yet unified, persons of the Trinity. Our life is sustained by the grace of the Son, the love of the Father, and the fellowship of the Spirit.
The peace in this principle is found in Trinitarian fullness:
The Grace of Christ: Our relationship with God begins and is maintained by the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ (The Gift of Grace, Day 257). This is His undeserved mercy (Day 257) and favor, which secures our redemption (Day 225) and makes our rest (Day 354) possible.
The Love of God: The ultimate source of all things is the love of God (The Ultimate Love, Day 218). This great, unchanging love (Day 342) is what motivated Christ's sacrifice and guarantees our eternal security (Day 297). This love is the anchor for our soul (Day 340).
The Fellowship of the Holy Spirit: Our daily experience is defined by the fellowship of the Holy Spirit (The Spirit of Adoption, Day 315). He is the agent of vital connection (Day 352), who empowers our service (Day 356) and unites us in fellowship (Day 329) with one another.
The Call to Receive: The prayer is that these divine gifts be with all of you. This is a reminder to embrace and rely upon the fullness of God (Day 321) in every single moment, living a life of holistic dedication (Day 349) fueled by the Trinity.
Your peace is secured by Trinitarian fullness. Embrace the Final Benedictions today by praising each person of the Trinity: thank Christ for His grace, thank the Father for His unwavering love, and thank the Holy Spirit for His constant fellowship and power.
Reflective Question
Which person of the Trinity—Christ (Grace), the Father (Love), or the Holy Spirit (Fellowship)—do you tend to focus on least in your daily prayer and worship? How can you intentionally seek the fullness of all three today?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I confess my tendency to limit my understanding of Your being. I thank You for the truth that my life is held by the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit. I pray for the grace to live fully within the Trinitarian fullness of Your divine presence (Day 353). Secure my peace today in this ultimate lasting promise, and may Your favor be with all of me. Amen.
