I read somewhere that in the Greek the word "of" isn't there, so it seemingly reads: "The grace - the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love - God , and the communion - the Holy Spirit - be with you all. Amen." It reads so neat that way. Obviously Jesus demonstrates the grace of God, God IS Love, and the Holy Spirit brings us into communion with God and also makes us have fellowship with each other, all one in Christ. I looked it up in the Greek and even though the "of" is implied, you can definitely still get the same meaning out of it reading it the regular way. Jesus has grace for He IS grace, we enjoy the love of God because He IS Love, the communion of the Spirit is special because He IS our linkage. I love that verse!
The Message translation of it is beautiful too:
The amazing grace of the Master, Jesus Christ, the extravagant love of God, the intimate friendship of the Holy Spirit, be with all of you.
So glad we have a Savior who is grace, a God who is love, a Holy Spirit indwelling us who is our Friend!
We can see these same attributes of the Trinity in the work of our salvation. My friend Martha pointed this out to me (thanks, Martha!). The Father (Love) planned our salvation, Jesus (Grace) carried out the plan and took away our sins so we could be given His Life, and the Holy Spirit (communion) is the gift given, the Life of God inside us and one with us forever! Love planned out the new covenant, Grace inaugurated it, and Communion applied it to each of us individually. He saved us BECAUSE OF Love, He saved us BY Grace, He saved us FOR communion (union, constant fellowship)!
I love to see and think about the beautiful love relationship and intimate union of hearts within the Trinity. And it's so special to remember that we have been brought into that very love relationship, that very unity! Dwelling forever IN LOVE!
Everything in this wonderful life with God is just wrapped up in Him - He takes care of everything! For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things! To Him be the glory forever! (Rom. 11:36)
Love to all,
