May 15, 2026

KEPT BY GRACE

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“Now may the God of peace make you holy in every way, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again. God will make this happen, for he who calls you is faithful. Dear brothers and sisters, pray for us. Greet all the brothers and sisters with a sacred kiss. I command you in the name of the Lord to read this letter to all the brothers and sisters. May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.”

1 Thessalonians 5:23-28 NLT

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TODAY’ S THOUGHT

As Paul brings his first letter to the Thessalonians to a close, he leaves them with a profound benediction and a reminder of where our spiritual journey begins and ends: in the faithfulness of God.

Here are three core truths to take with us from this final chapter:

1. Holiness is God’s Work, Not Ours 

We do not make ourselves holy—God does. When we yield to His grace, He transforms every part of our lives: our spirit, our soul (our mind, will, and emotions), and our body. Paul reassures us, "God will make this happen," because the One who calls us is faithful. Even when we stumble, God’s faithfulness remains, continually molding us into His likeness.

2. We Are a Connected Family 

Community has been a heartbeat throughout this entire letter. Notice how many times Paul addresses the church as "brothers and sisters." He reminds us that we were never meant to walk this journey alone. We are connected as a family, meant to pray together, bear one another's burdens, and spur each other on toward spiritual growth.

3. Grace is the Key to Everything 

Paul closes with a prayer that the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ will be with them. Grace is the unmerited favor of God. When I was a youth pastor, I used a simple acrostic to describe it: God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense. God has done the work through Jesus; we simply believe and receive and then allow the Holy Spirit to work that grace into our lives and pour it out onto others.

Today’s Reflection

• Holiness Check: Is your life marked by the transforming power of God? Would those closest to you see a person in love with God and others?

• Community Check: Are you living in authentic, meaningful relationships with other believers, or are you trying to go it alone?

• Grace Check: Have you fully received God's grace so that you can be a "grace-giver" to those who are difficult to love?

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TODAY’S PRAYER

Holy Spirit, help me to become more like Jesus every single day. Thank You for Your faithfulness and Your grace. Keep my heart soft, keep me connected in authentic community, and make me a conduit of Your grace to everyone around me. Amen.

“Scroll down to share what you feel God is saying based on today’s reading.”