The Book of Ephesians both begins and ends with peace and grace, and we also find it interwoven throughout the entire Book. Here in these concluding verses, Paul gives five blessings. First, he says, be blessed by brotherly encouragement -- that is, by friendship with individuals within the congregation; and by the wonderful news of God's workings in other places, as it is presented in congregational reports from other churches.
Then Paul pronounces several more blessings upon the people of God: peace, love, faith, and grace. We have peace with God and God's children, for we have been purchased by Jesus' blood. This calls us to be forgiving of each other -- just as the Father has forgiven us. As for love, the Lord Jesus is the demonstration of God's love for us. He loves us with an everlasting love, so that we may enjoy everlasting life. And just as His love for us never ends, we are called to imitate this love by serving our brothers and sisters in the church. Faith is another blessing from God, by which we believe in Jesus Christ. When days are dark, faith in Him will give us hope. And last but not least, God blesses us with grace, even when we do not deserve it. Let's pray that the Lord would enable us to show grace to all around us, just as grace has been shown to us! |
