This verse has often been used as a benediction (a 'good word') at the end of church services. It is both a prayer to God to pour His goodness onto the church in Corinth, and also an alert to the church to be ready to receive God's blessing. It is a doxology (a statement of praise to God) which comes out of an understanding of the character and actions of the Trinitarian God. You may have said it many times, but what does it mean?

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ is a summary of all the undeserved blessings which come to the believer because Jesus left heaven to be punished for our sins – making God's forgiveness freely available to repentant people who trust in Christ. That grace is here for us, but are we living in it? Do we base our daily confidence on His grace or on our own assets and skills? Without His grace, we have nothing and are nothing (1 Corinthians 15:10) – that is why we need to keep returning to the cross of Christ for cleansing, reconciliation and restoration – so that we may receive and use His gifts of grace in His service.

God is love; it is part of His essential nature. Love is appropriate giving. As the sun continues to shine so God continues to love – except that His love is inexhaustible. Like presents which are either received gladly or ignored, so God's love must be received if we are to enjoy the blessings of relating with Him (Jude 1:21). Without the assurance that His love is with us constantly, we will have no courage in danger, encouragement in perplexity or refuge in the darkest days.

The fellowship of the Holy Spirit is the personal closeness of God to His people. God shares Himself intimately with all who receive His love by trusting in Jesus for salvation. God the Spirit is not only with us but in us (John 14:17). He indwells every believer (Romans 8:9). He intends His presence to be gladly welcomed, appreciated and enjoyed – resulting in fresh confidence and joy.

Some have suggested that the grace of Christ reminds us of Bethlehem, as God condescended to be born as a baby so that He might grow up to die, to save sinners; the love of God reminds us of Calvary (John 3:16); and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit reminds us of Pentecost and the beginning of the church. Others have simply suggested that this one verse encompasses the breadth of apostolic doctrine. All that may well be true, but in its context of a letter to dysfunctional believers - Paul wanted them to desire God and grasp everything for which Christ grasped hold of them (Philippians 3:12-14). We should certainly want to do the same.