In this episode, we take a closer look at Paul’s closing prayer in 2 Corinthians 13:14: “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, be with you all.”

What if Paul was not simply praying for grace, love, and the Holy Spirit to be given to the believers, but that their eyes would be opened to what was already available to them?

Scripture speaks of the “manifold grace of God” (1 Peter 4:10), and Paul reminds us that we have gifts “according to the grace that is given to us” (Romans 12:6). This points to the many ways grace can be experienced and expressed in our lives. We can grow in grace (2 Peter 3:18), and our awareness, cooperation, and expression of what God has made available to us can deepen.

At the center of this discussion is the communion of the Holy Spirit.

Knowin ...