2 Corinthians 13:11-13 (NRSV)
Read 2 Corinthians 13:11-13 on biblegateway.com
Verse 11Finally, brothers and sisters, farewell. Put things in order, listen to my appeal, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. Verse 12Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the saints greet you. Verse 13The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with all of you.
Devotion
Saying farewell, either in person or through letters, is not easy for anybody. It is a time to give last instructions or suggestions. Paul, when he wrote good-bye to the believers in Corinth, experienced the same thing. He asked them to stay together in harmony and assured them of the Lord’s love and peace. At the end he blessed them with the words that we hear every time we gather together for worship, “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.”
This benediction, which is Trinitarian in form, has been part of the Christian worship tradition. It reminds us that the mystery of the Holy Trinity is known to be true not through rational or philosophical explanation, but through Christian experience. We know that the grace, love and communion (or, it might be said, the fellowship) freely flow into our lives from the Triune God -- Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Prayer
Triune God, as we ponder upon your power and mystery today, please fill us with your grace, love and Holy Spirit in a fresh way. In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen.