Peace and Love

Ephesians 6:21-24

I see two sides to Paul: there's Paul the revolutionary who speaks the truth boldly and stirs up trouble and riots in every city and then there's the gentle relational Paul who shows very intimate care and concern for the disciples of Christ. The gentle, relational Paul is the Paul I see here in these verses. He knows that the Ephesian church is interested in his well-being and ministry and he is sending someone (probably carrying the letter) to tell them.
I want to be that kind of pastor: the pastor who is not afraid of truth but always speaks it in the context of loving relationships. I want my staff and students to know that I care about them very much (because I do) and I am very concerned for their well-being and ministry. If I want the closing words on the letter of my life to be "Peace, love and grace to you through God our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ" then I need to be speaking peace, love and grace in everything that I do and say - both up front and in personal relationships.