Wednesday, September 28, 2016

2 Corinthians, Chapter 1, Verse 1-2
1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, to the church of God that is in Corinth, with all the holy ones throughout Achaia: a grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Here Paul is joining the Greek “grace” to the Jewish “Peace.”[1]

THE MEANING OF GRACE The word 'grace' (CHEN in Hebrew, CHARIS in Greek), as it is used in the scriptures, literally means' favour', to bend or stoop in kindness to another as a superior to an inferior. It has the idea of graciousness in manner or action. (Wikibooks)

Shalom (Hebrew: שָׁלוֹם shalom; also spelled as sholom, sholem, sholoim, shulem) is a Hebrew word meaning peace, harmony, wholeness, completeness, prosperity, welfare and tranquility and can be used idiomatically to mean both hello and goodbye. (Wikipedia)

Again Paul is writing to the Corinthian’s about even in times of trouble God’s grace and peace will be there. John Maxwell states that Paul is using the Law of Empowerment in his leadership.

The Law of Empowerment: Our Comfort Allows Us to Comfort Others[2]

God promises to comfort us in our troubles and then asks us to comfort others. I can imagine that is exactly what Mary did with the apostles after Christ’s death on the cross. We are to pass on what God gives to us. We are empowered to empower others. Leaders who empower are:

1.      Accountable-They help others keep their commitment to God.
2.      Affirming-They offer words of support and encouragement.
3.      Objective when they evaluate progress.
4.      Advise and offer direction and counsel.
5.      Admonish others when they stray by words of caution, rebuke or correction.
6.      Generous and give tangible resources to help their people reach goals.
7.      Accepting in that they provide unconditional love.
8.      Teachers helping others find places to apply and practice what they learn.





[1] The Collegeville Bible Commentary
[2] John Maxwell, The Leadership Bible.

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