This week let’s celebrate all we have in Jesus Christ, while getting off of ‘me, I, and myself’ with aches and pains, disappointments and bad memories, bitterness, and loneliness.  You name it, I can suffer with it.  At least I’m not a hypochondriac.  I’m not, am I?  I’ll check back with you later if I’m feeling better!

Rather, let’s look upward to our heavenly Host and home.  Think of it– we’re blessed three times over.  2 Corinthians 13:14–‘The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.’

Oodles of blessings.  Grace, love, and fellowship.  Couldn’t get much better.  But it does.  These blessings are not only for a few.  No.  For the rich, the poor, the intelligentsia, and deplorables–‘…with you all.’  All believers everywhere.  That’s you and me.  Can hardly contain myself!

Jesus gives us grace.  We know what that is, don’t we?  Getting what we don’t deserve.  Akin to mercy, where we don’t get what we do deserve (think I need mercy more than grace, although both together will fit the bill!).  Jesus lives to give.  All four Gospels spell out His life of sharing, healing, restoring, and birthing salvation.  Relish His grace.  It never ends.  Never.

God the Father shares His love for us.  ‘Love’ here is the Greek word ‘agape’.  Like Jesus’ grace, the Father’s love keeps coming our way.  When we’re His, love surrounds us in more ways than we can count or imagine.  Sometimes it’s a tough love that feels rough and painful.  Probably more so for Him.  But it’s a love that reshapes us to become more like Jesus, God’s Son.  A shaped vessel in the Master’s loving hands.

Then the Holy Spirit fellowships with us.  Gathers us close in.  Draws ever near, meaning we’re never alone.  The church that blessed me as their emeritus pastor has a fellowship hour following the worship service.  Both last about the same amount of time.  A healthy balance.  Similar to what the Holy Spirit does, as He comes to stay close within each believer.  And stay He does.  Never leaving.

What blessings!  All God’s gifts are freely given.  None earned.  None?  Nada and zippo.  Get it?  Then let’s not forget it.  Or to thank the Lord for our being blessed many times over.

Thank you, Lord, for all you give.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.