Good Out of Evil
Through suffering and meditation, we can discover our inner strength and potential for blessed immortality, leading to spiritual growth.
Clement of Rome reflects on the deep inner struggles he faced, leading to bitter grief and physical wasting away, until he realized that his thoughts could lead to a blessed immortality. Through this challenging process, he discovered the importance of searching for truth and understanding, gaining empathy for those he once envied. He ultimately found gratitude towards God for guiding him through this transformative journey.
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As I pondered without ceasing these and such like questions--I know not whence arising--I had such bitter grief, that, becoming pale, I wasted away; and, what was most terrible, if at any time I wished to drive away this meditation as unprofitable, my suffering became all the more severe; and I grieved over this, not knowing that I had a fair inmate, even my thought, which was to be to me the cause of a blessed immortality, as I afterwards knew by experience, and gave thanks to God, the Lord of all.
For it was by this thought, which at first afflicted me, that I was compelled to come to the search and the finding of things; and then I pitied those whom at first, through ignorance, I ventured to call blessed.
Sermon Outline
- The Origin of Spiritual Growth
- The Discovery of Inner Strength
- The Importance of Gratitude
- Recognizing God's role in our lives
- Expressing thanks for His guidance
Key Quotes
“For it was by this thought, which at first afflicted me, that I was compelled to come to the search and the finding of things;” — Clement of Rome
“I grieved over this, not knowing that I had a fair inmate, even my thought, which was to be to me the cause of a blessed immortality, as I afterwards knew by experience, and gave thanks to God, the Lord of all.” — Clement of Rome
Application Points
- We can use our suffering as an opportunity to search for answers and find new understanding.
- Meditation and contemplation can help us discover our inner strength and potential for blessed immortality.
- Expressing gratitude to God is essential for recognizing His role in our lives and acknowledging His guidance.