| From the First Letter to the Corinthians by Clement, Bishop of Rome [c. 100]
Let us fix our attention on the blood of Christ and recognize how precious
it is to God his Father, since it was shed for our salvation and brought
the grace of repentance to all the world.
If we review the various ages of history, we will see that in every
generation the Lord has "offered the opportunity of repentance" to any
who were willing to turn to him. When Noah preached God's message of
repentance, all who listened to him were saved. Jonah told the Ninevites
they were going to be destroyed, but when they repented, their prayers
gained God's forgiveness for their sins, and they were saved, even though
they were not of God's people.
Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, the ministers of God's grace have
spoken of repentance; indeed, the Master of the whole universe himself
spoke of repentance with an oath: "As I live," says the Lord, "I do not
wish the death of the sinner but the sinner's repentance." He added this
evidence of his goodness: "House of Israel, repent of your wickedness.
Tell my people: If their sins should reach from earth to heaven, if they
are brighter than scarlet and blacker than sackcloth, you need only turn to
me with your whole heart and say, `Father,' and I will listen to you as to
a holy people."
In other words, God wanted all his beloved ones to have the opportunity to
repent and he confirmed this desire by his own almighty will. That is why
we should obey his sovereign and glorious will and prayerfully entreat his
mercy and kindness. We should be suppliant before him and turn to his
compassion, rejecting empty works and quarreling and jealousy which only
lead to death.
We should be humble in mind, putting aside all arrogance, pride, and
foolish anger. Rather, we should act in accordance with the Scriptures,
as the Holy Spirit says: "The wise must not glory in wisdom nor the
strong in strength nor the rich in riches. Rather, let the one who
glories glory in the Lord, by seeking him and doing what is right and
just." Recall especially what the Lord Jesus said when he taught
gentleness and forbearance. "Be merciful," he said, "so that you may
have mercy shown to you. Forgive, so that you may be forgiven. As you
treat others, so you will be treated. As you give, so you will receive.
As you judge, so you will be judged. As you are kind to others, so you
will be treated kindly. The measure of your giving will be the measure
of your receiving."
Let these commandments and precepts strengthen us to live in humble
obedience to his sacred words. As Scripture asks: "Whom shall I look upon
with favor except the humble, peaceful one who trembles at my words?"
Sharing then in the heritage of so many vast and glorious achievements,
let us hasten toward the goal of peace, set before us from the beginning.
Let us keep our eyes firmly fixed on the Father and Creator of the whole
universe, and hold fast to his splendid and transcendent gifts of peace
and all his blessings.
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Greg,
If it's any consolation, I had to give up refined sugar about 2 months
ago for health reasons.
It can be done. It hasn't been easy, but it can be done. And I do
feel better.
If you want incentives from a book, pick up a copy of "Sugar Blues".
Not sure of the author.
Cindy
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