Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord (2 Peter 1:2).

I know we have talked about this before, but I think it bears repeating.  The phrase grace and peace appears in nearly every New Testament letter.  Paul used it.  John used it.  Here we see Peter using the phrase.  It is always used as a blessing to believers.  It is always used at the beginning of the letter, kind of a launching pad.  It is always used in the same order.

Grace

and

Peace.

Which reminds us that grace must come first.  Without grace—the completely undeserved blessing we have received from God—how can we ever know peace?  His grace sent his Son to the cross to purchase our peace with his blood.

Peter goes another step, pointing out that this grace and peace come through “The knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.”  God’s grace is not an anonymous gift left on our doorstep.  Jesus stands and holds it out to you; you must come and take it.  You must learn what it cost, and why.

To appreciate the gift, you must know the giver.

Spend time with him today, Beloved.  Take hold of the grace and peace he offers you.

The gift cost him more than you can ever fully know.

And you are worth it.