Beautiful Word Devotional #110

Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.

2 Peter 3:18

The Spanish phrase Vaya con Dios—literally, “Go with God”—is a lovely parting thought for people to share as they go their own ways. And that thought is actually quite similar to the meaning behind goodbye. Did you know that goodbye is shorthand for “God be with you”? What an uplifting and encouraging farewell!

Peter certainly seemed a proponent of uplifting and encouraging final words. In his second letter to early believers, he wrote, “Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,” pointing to what’s most important in life: nurturing our relationship with Jesus. Then Peter added, “To him be glory both now and forever!” recalibrating an earthly perspective by lifting listeners’ eyes to the Lord, the King of kings, who will reign forever.

At the end of a conversation, goodbye certainly works. But sometimes “God be with you!” and even “Grow in grace—and to God be the glory!” would indeed be a blessing.

Lord, teach me to bless people with my words at the beginning, middle, and end of our conversations, amen.