Verse of the Day for Thursday, September 21, 2023

 

Verse of the Day
Thursday, September 21, 2023

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 you all.

This verse is the concluding benediction of the letter of 2 Corinthians, often attributed to the Apostle Paul. It is often cited as a Trinitarian doxology, offering a blessing in the name of the Father (God), the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit. It's a powerful statement that encapsulates key aspects of Christian theology and spirituality.

1. "The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ": Grace is often understood as the unmerited favor and love that Jesus Christ offers to humanity. In Christian theology, it is by grace that individuals are saved from sin and reconciled to God. The mention of Jesus Christ's grace here underscores the centrality of Jesus to Christian faith and salvation.

2. "The love of God": Love is the foundational attribute of God, according to Christian teaching. This love is not merely a sentimental feeling but an active, initiating force that seeks the good of others. This love is seen in the Christian narrative as God sending His Son to save humanity. It is a love that is supposed to be reflected in the lives of believers, in their interactions with God and with other people.

3. "The fellowship of the Holy Spirit": The Holy Spirit is often associated with the experience of fellowship, both with God and with other believers. The Spirit is what unites the Christian community, allowing them to experience a depth of relationship that goes beyond natural human interaction. The Spirit empowers, comforts, and guides believers in their journey of faith.

Together, these three blessings—grace, love, and fellowship—comprise a comprehensive spiritual good wished upon the readers. The Apostle Paul concludes his letter by invoking all three persons of the Christian doctrine of the Trinity, emphasizing that the Christian experience is deeply Trinitarian in nature.

Finally, the verse ends with "be with you all," showing that these blessings are not just for a select few but for the entire community of believers. The invocation is inclusive, extending these divine gifts to everyone within the sound of the apostolic word.

The 2 Corinthians 13:14 benediction continues to be widely used in Christian liturgy and personal devotions today, precisely because it so concisely encapsulates the essence of Christian hope and community.