Tim Maas Retired Quality Assurance Specialist with the U.S. Army

I would say that, by the wording of the blessing or benediction cited in the question, Paul was desiring that each of his Christian readers at Corinth (and, by extension, Christians anywhere) should both experience, as well as display or pass on, attributes or benefits associated with each member of the Godhead.

He wanted them to be recipients of the grace (undeserved love, favor, and mercy) that Jesus had shown in dying for their salvation, and to exhibit similar grace with regard to the imperfections, failings, or transgressions of others with whom they dealt.

He also wanted them to experience and appreciate the great love that God had demonstrated in redeeming humanity; in bringing them to faith in Christ; and in caring and providing for them. Besides that, he wanted them to use God's love as a model for displaying love in their own actions toward others.

Finally, he was wanting them to seek the fellowship of other Christians (all of whom are indwelt by the Holy Spirit), so that they could encourage each other, and be of maximum effectiveness in bringing others into that fellowship, as well as in carrying out as a group the work that God intended for them to do.

October 20 2017 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report