1 Timothy 1:2 Grace, Mercy and Peace

To Timothy, my true child in the faith: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. [1 Timothy 1:2 NASB]

This is a common greeting in the apostolic letters. But it is more than just a greeting; it is also a blessing, "spoken" over those who read, and believe.

We are blessed with grace. Grace is defined as, "the merciful kindness by which God, exerting his holy influence upon souls, turns them to Christ, keeps, strengthens, increases them in Christian faith, knowledge, affection, and kindles them to the exercise of the Christian virtues."

It is by grace that we are saved. Paul said;

For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. [Ephesians 2:8-9 NASB]

We are also sanctified by His grace;

Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. [1 Thessalonians 5:23 NASB]

Sanctification is a theological word that means "to be made holy." It is God, by His grace, who makes us holy. We can't become holy by doing good works, or by simply abstaining from sinful acts. The fact is that a true Christian will want to do good things; not in order to achieve a level of holiness, but to be obedient to God who calls us.

Too often we get it backwards. We think that if we act holy, then we will be holy. But the opposite is true. God makes us holy, and only then can we live a life of holiness.

We are blessed with mercy. Mercy is defined as, "the kindness or good will towards the miserable and the afflicted, joined with a desire to help them." I think this is best summed up by the verse in Romans;

But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. [Romans 5:8 NASB] 

It was mercy that led Jesus to the cross.

Because of the mercy shown to us we are compelled to show mercy to others. Jesus told the parable of the servant who owed his master fifteen years wages. When the servant begged for mercy, the master forgave his debt. That servant went out and found another servant who owed him a single days wage. When the other servant begged for mercy the servant refused to forgive. Jesus concludes his parable;

“Then summoning him, his lord said to him, ‘You wicked slave, I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. ‘Should you not also have had mercy on your fellow slave, in the same way that I had mercy on you?’ “And his lord, moved with anger, handed him over to the torturers until he should repay all that was owed him. “My heavenly Father will also do the same to you, if each of you does not forgive his brother from your heart.” [Matthew 18:32-35 NASB]

We are blessed with peace. Peace is defined as, "the tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and content with its earthly lot, of whatsoever sort that is."

Peace is the fruit of a Spirit-filled life. It is found only as we draw near to God in prayer, communing with the Holy Spirit.

You may find some small measure of peace from pre-written prayers from a book, or from positive affirmations, or quick-spoken passing prayers, but that kind of peace is shallow and fleeting. If you want peace, take time with God. Forget about your formal prayers, and talk to Him from your heart. Take time to be quiet before Him, and listen for His still, small voice, speaking to your mind. Bask in His presence.

When you get up from your quiet time, take Him with you. Keep the awareness of His presence in your mind all day long as you go about your business.

I promise that if you will do this, you will know the peace of God that is beyond all understanding.

Father, I thank You for your grace, mercy and peace. I pray that, by Your grace, I will be able to stay in Your presence, and grow in the faith.