The wording “grace, mercy, and peace from God…” appears several times in the Bible (1 Timothy 1:2; 2 Timothy 1:2; Titus 1:4; 2 John 3).  It has been said of God’s grace, mercy, and peace – “Grace is when God gives us what we don’t deserve; Mercy is when God doesn’t give us what we do deserve; And, Peace is the ability to bear up under life’s difficulties knowing that with the help of God, we can meet any difficulty that comes our way.”  Today, we consider the word “peace.”

The original word is eirene (the root eiro means “to join”).  This word is used of: (1) harmonious relationships between all men – Matt. 10:34; Rom. 14:19; (2) friendliness – 1 Corinthians 16:11; (3) harmonious relations between nations – Luke 14:32; Acts 12:20; (4) a state of national tranquility; exemption from rage and havoc of war – Acts 24:2; (5) Freedom from molestation – Acts 9:31; (6) a sense of rest – Mark 5:34; (7) order in the state – Acts 24:2; or in the church – 1 Corinthians 14:33; (8) harmonious relations between God and man – Acts 10:36; Ephesians 2:17; (9) the tranquil state of the soul assured of its salvation through Christ – John 16:33; (10) the blessed state of the devout and upright men after death – Rom.  2:10 [see Vine’s p. 464; and Thayer p. 182].

Jesus is the “prince of peace” (Isaiah 9:6).  We have “peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1).  Due to this peace, we can have peace, internally, in spite of external tribulation (John 16:33; Philippians 4:7).

Let’s also remember concerning peace with God: (1) Peace is something preached (Eph. 2:17); yet to hear is not enough, we must obey (Hebrews 5:9).  (2) Peace is connected with the gospel (Romans 10:13-15).  Yet the gospel contains instructions to obey (2 Thes. 1:6-9 cf. Mark 16:15-16).  (3) Peace and mercy are for these who “walk according to this rule” (Galatians 6:16).  There is a rule, a standard, that we as Christians are to follow.  In context that standard is the gospel (see Galatians 1:6-9).  Note: that if we negate both sides of the equation in Galatians 6:16, we see that there is no peace and no mercy for those who do not walk according to this rule.

In our relationship with our fellow man consider: Hebrews 12:14, “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.”  Also, Matthew 5:9, “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called children of God.

My wish for you: “Grace be with you, Mercy, and peace, from God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ” (2 John 3).