“Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.”

Peter lists some more privileges: grace and peace.  That is more than just a spiritual greeting in a letter. It was heartfelt prayer and hope from Peter that we all will experience more of God's grace and more of God's peace. Grace includes the benefits that are ours without earning them, only knowing about them.  Now we need to just realize what it is, so we don't remain stagnant in our Christian lives.  If you want to enjoy God’s peace and be the aroma of His grace in the world, your knowledge of Him needs to grow.             

Grace is a power that leads to godliness and eternal life.  The channel of God's great grace is knowledge of God.  Through the reading of the Bible comes the knowledge of God and through that, grace and peace are multiplied as privileges to us. Grace precedes peace, as peace is the natural result of experiencing God's unmerited favor. 

The blessings of grace and peace are not just a static position but can be "multiplied" or increased through continued knowledge of God.              

I think of the story of a hobo in Southwestern United states who inherited land with oil on it. He continued to live off the streets and eat from garbage cans, because he was unable to be contacted.  When people asked about him to inform him of his good fortune, he thought they were after him, so he ran and hid.  He had tremendous benefits, but didn't know it or how to respond and use them.

I wonder how many people hide from God unaware of the privileges and riches that could be theirs.

Prayer:   Father, teach me to live and walk in the fullness of Your grace and peace.  Oh that I might grow in the grace and knowledge of God and Jesus Christ His Son.