Be Strong in the Grace
Paul the Apostle told Timothy to be strong in the grace. See the quote and before and after verses.
18 May the Lord grant that he will find mercy from the Lord on that day! You know very well in how many ways he helped me in Ephesus.
The Appeal Renewed
2 You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.
First Paul praises a guy who encouraged and helped him. After, he tells Timothy how to spread the good news. Paul seems to be rifling through a list of issues that are on his heart. Among these, he tells Timothy to be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. I have noted elsewhere that the phrase grace and peace is a common phrase among all epistle writers.
What grace do we find in Jesus? Grace as used in the New Testament is like unmerited favor. How did Jesus give us unmerited favor?
Strong in the Grace is a Phrase to Hold Dear
We did not deserve to have Him come and live among us. We did not deserve to have him show us how to live and love. We most certainly did not deserve to have him die for us. How do we say thanks for a grace so big given unto us?
Paul was strong when he persecuted the Church but pride and even ruthlessness grew within him. Being strong in the grace is something so different. Paul always worked hard, but in grace, he was kind and understanding. Paul is sometimes still tough, but his love is always right there.
God help me not to be strong in myself. May I be strong in the grace. Think how much better that is. It creates a story that is more about Jesus and less about me. Jesus has done great things giving us unmerited favor that is beyond compare.
I want to be strong and be seen as strong. That attracts me. Strong in grace is a great challenge that we need never regret. It brings a barn full of thankfulness in its train. Let’s live in this.
