Devotions based on week 13 of Joy in the Journey: Mindset (WATCH HERE)
Philippians 4:21-23 “Greet all God’s people in Christ Jesus. The brothers and sisters who are with me send greetings. All God’s people here send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.”
God’s Grace: The First Word and the Last Word
Paul ends his letter to the Philippians with a short but powerful benediction: “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.” At first glance, this feels like a customary closing. But if we pause, we see that Paul’s words are deliberate. Grace was the first word of his letter (“Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ” – 1:2), and it is the last word as well.
This is no accident. Grace is the foundation and the finishing touch of the Christian life. From beginning to end, our joy, our strength, and our hope are anchored not in ourselves but in the grace of God through Jesus Christ.
Before Paul speaks of joy, unity, humility, or contentment in Philippians, he speaks of grace. Why? Because without grace there is no Christian life. Grace is God’s undeserved love and favor given to sinners through Christ. It is what takes us from enemies of the cross (3:18) to citizens of heaven (3:20). It is what rescues us from the futility of chasing earthly glory (3:19) and gives us eternal hope in Christ’s resurrection (3:21).
Grace is the reason Paul can rejoice in prison (1:18). Grace is the reason believers can work out their salvation “for it is God who works in you” (2:13). Grace is the reason the Philippians can give generously (4:14–18). Everything begins with God’s gracious action toward us.
Think of a seed planted in the soil. Without the life and nutrients provided by the soil, water, and sun, the seed will never sprout. In the same way, without God’s grace poured into our lives, we cannot grow in joy, faith, or obedience. Grace is the soil of the Christian life.
But grace is not just the start—it is also the end. Notice how Paul doesn’t say, “I hope you’ll be strong enough” or “Keep trying harder.” He says, “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.” He points us back to the source. Our journey ends where it began: with grace.
At the end of a day filled with successes or failures, God’s grace covers us. At the end of a life of faith, it is grace that ushers us into glory. And at the end of this letter filled with encouragement, challenges, and practical wisdom, Paul leaves the Philippians resting not on themselves but on Christ’s never-ending grace.
This reminds us that joy does not come from our performance but from God’s promise. As Paul said earlier: “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (1:6). What God starts in grace, He finishes in grace.
Every day focus on grace!
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Start each day with grace. Before the tasks, emails, and worries crowd in, remember: you are loved, forgiven, and strengthened by Christ’s grace. Try beginning your prayers with thanksgiving for God’s undeserved favor.
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End each day with grace. When you lay down at night, give your failures and successes to God. Rest knowing His grace is sufficient (2 Cor. 12:9).
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Extend grace to others. If grace is the bookends of your life, it should also mark your relationships. Be patient, forgiving, and generous with others, because Christ has been infinitely patient and generous with you.
Prayer: Gracious Father, thank You for bringing joy to my journey. Remind me each day that my life begins and ends with Your grace. Forgive me for the times I try to rely on myself instead of resting in Your love. Teach me to start each day in Your grace, to live each moment by Your grace, and to end each day with Your grace. May Your grace fill me with joy every day! In Jesus’ name, Amen.