There is profound significance in the phrase "the Lord be with your spirit." Paul ended three epistles with those words. He used the word "spirit" to emphasize that it represents a closer walk with God than simply wishing for general well-being, such as we hear often in our prayers, "Lord be with..." this person or that one. Grace is the divine influence of Jesus Christ dwelling within, which is quite different than the common perception of Jesus as an external figure who merely takes care of our problems and fixes our messes. True spiritual life, guidance, and victory over temptation arise from the Lord Jesus Christ controlling our spirit. "Christ in you, the hope of glory." (Colossians 1:27)
