Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.1 Thessalonians 5.11

1 Clement 1

Clement of Rome (fl. ca 90-100 AD)
“For who ever dwelt even for a short time among you, and did not find your faith to be as fruitful of virtue as it was firmly established? Who did not admire the sobriety and moderation of your godliness in Christ? Who did not proclaim the magnificence of your hospitality? And who did not rejoice over your perfect and well-grounded knowledge? For ye did all things without respect of persons, and walked in the commandments of God, being obedient to those who had rule over you, and giving all fitting honour to the presbyters among you. Ye enjoined young men to be of a sober and serious mind; ye instructed your wives to do all things with a blameless, becoming conscience, loving their husbands as in duty bound; and ye taught them that, living in the rule of obedience, they should manage their household affairs becomingly, and be in every respect marked by discretion.”

Clement understood the value of affirmation and encouragement. But was he writing to the same Church in Corinth that Paul chastened for its many failings? He was, indeed. In Paul’s day this congregation was wracked by schism, scandal, and scurrilous actions of members toward one another. But Paul admonished, encouraged, and taught them, pointing to the unseen things of Christ and His glory (2 Cor. 4.6-18). And somehow, his encouragement took. That troubled church was obviously turned around. Clement learned the value of encouragement from Paul, and he used it here at the beginning of his letter to affirm his love for the believers in Corinth.

Would your leaders and members describe you as an encourager? What about your church? How do you encourage other churches in your community? Would it make a difference if you did?

Introduction to Christian Worldview
We’re pleased to offer our course, One in Twelve: Introduction to Christian Worldview, at The Ailbe Seminary. There’s no charge, and all the course materials are free. In 12 diagrams you will gain a perspective and overall grasp of the 1 worldview that can change the world. Click here to register.

Personal Discipleship Inventory
You can have a look at the state of your own Christian worldview by watching this brief video and working through the free download, Personal Discipleship Inventory (click here).

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Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.