May 6, 2025

GOD’S GRACE AND PEACE IN CHRIST

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“This letter is from Paul, chosen by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus, and from our brother Timothy. We are writing to God’s holy people in the city of Colosse, who are faithful brothers and sisters in Christ. May God our Father give you grace and peace.”

Colossians 1:1–2 NLT

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TODAY’S THOUGHT

Let’s begin a journey through the book of Colossians—a letter written by Paul around 60 A.D. during his first imprisonment in Rome. Timothy, who had previously traveled with Paul through the region of Colosse, was now by his side in Rome.

Paul begins by affirming his calling: he is “an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God.” His life had been radically changed on the road to Damascus, transforming him from a persecutor of the Church into one of its most passionate apostles. Paul was a living testimony of God’s mercy, grace, and transformative power.

He addresses the Colossians as “God’s holy people” and “faithful brothers and sisters in Christ.” These affirmations are especially powerful considering we’ll later learn there were false teachings threatening the church. Yet Paul still sees them as sanctified and faithful; set apart by God and bonded together as a spiritual family.

This reminds us of a core truth: The blood of Jesus cleanses and unites. No matter our past or current struggles, we can be made holy and find a place to grow within God’s family.

Paul then offers his familiar greeting: “grace and peace.” These aren’t just kind words—they are deep blessings.

Grace is God’s unearned favor. An old acrostic helps capture its meaning:

G.R.A.C.E. — God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense.

We can’t earn grace. We don’t deserve it. Yet, God gives it freely to those who admit their need for Him and receive Christ’s sacrifice on the cross.

Peace (Greek: eirene) implies inner calm, wholeness, and well-being. It’s a deep, sustaining peace that transcends chaos. Jesus demonstrated this when He slept through the storm (Mark 4:35–41), and Peter exemplified it when he slept in prison the night before his scheduled execution (Acts 12).

Let this be your focus today: embrace God’s grace and rest in His peace. They are gifts not based on your performance but rooted in His love.

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TODAY’S PRAYER

Holy Spirit, open my eyes today to the fullness of God’s grace and peace. Help me to walk through this day wrapped in Your presence—secure, calm, and confident in Christ. Amen.

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