Romans 16:25-27 Now to him who is able to establish you by my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past, but now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings by the command of the eternal God, so that all nations might believe and obey him–to the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen.

This is the longest benediction/doxology in all of Paul’s letters, which is perhaps fitting since it is the longest letter! I personally prefer Jude’s more succinct doxology: “To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy–to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.” (Jude 1:24-25 I can’t read that without hearing Don Francisco’s musical setting in my head and heart.) In most church services the one from 2 Corinthians is used: “May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.” (2 Corinthians 13:14) The distinction between a benediction and a doxology is the focus. A benediction is focused on blessing the recipients, whereas a doxology is focused on God, Who is the source of all blessing. When it came to praising God, Paul certainly didn’t limit himself to the end of his letters. In writing to the Ephesians he couldn’t hold himself back, and in the middle of the letter he burst into, “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” (Ephesians 3:20-21) All believers have the privilege of verbally blessing those around them, that is, pronouncing a benediction. (Benediction means precisely, speaking blessing.) However, for such blessings to have genuine power they need to be rooted in the One who is the source of all blessing, God. (James 1:17) When we really grasp what God has done for us in Christ, then like Paul to the Ephesians, we won’t be able to hold back from praising and thanking Him. And actually, that’s a very good thing for a number of reasons, not the least of which being that numerous studies have shown that gratitude is the absolute key to happiness. When we focus on all that God has done for us, and thanking Him for it, we can’t help but be happy!

I have certainly experienced the blessings of gratitude, and I had the huge advantage of being raised in a home that knew and praised God. I have also learned the joy of speaking blessing to and over people. I generally use the benediction from 2 Corinthians in formal settings, not only because it is compact but because I know it expresses something that God desires for each of His children. After all, we were created to be recipients of grace and love, in full and consistent fellowship with God. It is a joyous thing to be an instrument of the blessings God loves to pour out. Blessing people is fun, in word and deed!

Father, thank You for this reminder. Thank You for being able to bless the sister who moved here from Canada. She is grateful, but we are grateful to be Your agents. May we all be instruments of Your grace and love, for Your glory alone. Thank You. Hallelujah!