Grace, Mercy, and Peace (2 John 1:3)
"Grace, mercy, and peace will be with us, from God the Father and from Jesus Christ the Father's Son, in truth and love." (ESV)
Why grace, mercy, and peace? Almost every apostolic letter in the Bible begins by asking for the blessing of grace and peace. A few of them throw in mercy also. Why?
Some definitions from my mac dictionary:
Grace - the free and unmerited favor of God, as manifested in the salvation of sinners and the bestowal of blessing
Mercy - compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone whom it is in one's power to punish or harm
Peace - freedom from disturbance; quiet or tranquility
Grace is the essence of our Christian lives. It is the source of our salvation and the power to live for the glory of God. We don't deserve any of the good that God provides for us, yet we receive so much from God through Jesus Christ. Everything good that happens today happens because of Jesus.
Mercy is akin to grace. Is John referring to mercy from God or others? Just as we need God's grace, we need his mercy as well. Maybe it's redundant for emphasis, but I think it may also refer to mercy from those in the world with authority. Most believers were under pressure from the government to stop believing and teaching what they believed and taught. Mercy would mean that those who had power to punish them would allow them to continue to evangelize and preach.
Peace is the living fruit of grace and mercy. Grace brings the peace of soul that overcomes all other challenges in life. Mercy from the world's authorities brings peace in day-to-day life.
What is the source of these three things? Rather, who is the source? God the Father and Jesus Christ the Son. These things are from God himself. They are gifts that come through the relationship we have with him, having now been justified, forgiven, and adopted forever through the death of the son. I thank you, God, for the bountiful blessings that come to me through the greatest blessing of all, Jesus Christ.
The last phrase, "in truth and love," is so helpful to consider seriously. These blessings come in truth and love. They are founded on the promises and the affections of God. God has promised blessing to his children, and he will send them. He has promised grace, mercy, and peace, and he will not fail. They shall be for his children, even if only in heaven. And the delivery of these things are founded on the great love of the God who is love. In the very existence of the true God is the assurance that blessing comes our way, for he is love itself.
