Philemon v. 25 (NIV) The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.
Years ago I remember a former Pastor concluding his messages with The Giving of a Good Word; his prayer of benediction for the congregation; perhaps more commonly known to us as the Levitical Blessing.
Numbers 6:24-26 (NIV) 24The LORD bless you and keep you; 25the LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; 26the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.
Throughout the New Testament writings, particularly the epistles, we often find that the concluding words offer a good word of encouragement and peace to the listeners. Paul also frequently ended his letters with a good word. Here are just a few examples from the New Testament:
Matthew 28:20b (NIV)[words of Jesus] “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
2 Corinthians 13:14 (NIV) May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
Ephesians 6:23-24 (NIV) 23Peace to the brothers and sisters, and love with faith from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 24Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.
2 Thessalonians 3:16 (NIV) Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with you all.
Revelation 22:21 (NIV) The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen.
We may have no idea what our friends’ challenges might be. However, ending conversations and visits with a good word to others brings encouragement and hope.
Gracious Heavenly Father,
Thank you for those who encourage us. May we also make every effort to offer good words of encouragement and hope to others.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
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Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com
Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®, Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
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