Grace and peace to you from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. (2 Thess. 1:2)
Expanded Passage: 2 Thessalonians 1:1-2
Lucia had had a long, hard day. She felt exhausted and discouraged. When she stopped at the post office to pick up a package, she had no idea what it could be. Then she suddenly realized who sent it. The whole way home, she could only think about how good God is. Even on one of her hardest days, he showed her how much he cared for her and loved her! When I sent Lucia the package, I had no idea how God would use it. We had been neighbors and friends when I was a missionary in Eastern Europe. Now, even though I don’t live next to Lucia anymore, I long for her to experience the favor and peace of God in her life. This particular package arrived just when Lucia needed encouragement.
Paul knew the church of the Thessalonians was going through suffering and persecution. But he didn’t just jump into the hard stuff. He took the time to open his letter with a reminder of God’s grace and peace. He wrote a blessing inviting God’s presence. Paul’s greeting set a foundation of encouragement from which he could address the challenges the church was facing.
Our words have the power to remind each other of God’s goodness. Just as Paul encouraged the church with his opening words, we can all bless and encourage others on their hard days—from near or far.
Speak an encouragement of grace and peace into someone’s life.
Kristina Carter uses her passion for writing on the Global Partners Communication Team to equip people in the mission to share the gospel with the unreached.
© 2026 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
