Benedictions are something that is practiced in churches throughout the world. A Benediction is a short blessing brought out of scripture to bless a congregation as they leave the gathering of the church. It’s a way to send off the congregation as they leave.

(1). Numbers 6:24-26 says, “The Lord bless you and keep; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace” (EVS). What a passage to reflect and meditate on. I read this and think “what if I read this 2-3 times a day, for the rest of my life? How would my life change? I think about being reminded of God’s grace continually and how much gratefulness falls upon my heart to be reminded that I deserve death.

Yet Jesus continues to give me peace.

(2). Romans 15:5 says, “May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Jesus Christ” (EVS). This verse really brings out the community of the church and what that looks like, as we know church isn’t a building. The church is a community of believers who gather to praise and grow closer to Jesus.

To remind ourselves that we are in this together, not just independent people meeting up in the same place is really important.

(3). 1 Thessalonians 5:23 says, Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” (EVS). It’s a constant process to surrender more of our lives to God, to make the daily decision to carry our crosses and allow God to sanctify us. It’s an act of humility to allow the Holy Spirit to sanctify us. It’s a reminder that I know I need daily, even though it’s such a simple truth that we all know, it’s so important that it’s brought to us daily. How often do some of us go months forgetting the most basic truths and blessings God has put before us? I promise you this, there’s never been a time I’ve regretted giving more to the Lord.

But I’ve always regretted holding back from the Lord.