…恩慈

…恩慈
聖經閱讀：創世記13:5-18
2012年8月22日(三)

接下來，聖靈要賜給基督徒的是「恩慈」。當孩子還小時，我們就開始教導他們對人要有恩慈，例如：「分享你的玩具」、「讓其他人先」、「要常說『請』和『謝謝』」。 當我想到恩慈，我就想起亞伯拉罕。今天的聖經閱讀告訴我們，亞伯拉罕與羅得決定分手並分開他們的牛群羊群，亞伯拉罕恩慈地對待羅得，他讓羅得優先選擇要哪一塊土地，而羅得選擇了一塊水源充足的好地。但是，羅得選擇的土地上住滿了罪惡的人，因為他的選擇，讓羅得必須面對很多的問題。 亞伯拉罕則留在山丘上，但是上帝因為亞伯拉罕的恩慈而祝福他。上帝應許亞伯拉罕，要給他大片的土地和眾多的後裔（孩子、孫子女、曾孫、曾孫子女）。 上帝也會因為我們的恩慈而祝福我們。當我們以恩慈對待他人，我們就取悅了上帝，而我們自己也會感到開心。今天就開始以恩慈對待你在工作、在家、在學校時遇見的人。—JK 「並要以恩慈相待。」以弗所書4:32a 禱告：天父，我願永遠以恩慈對待他人。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (林煜茹譯/台南聖教會英語團契)

...Kindness
Bible Reading: Genesis 13:5-18
Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Kindness is the next thing that the Spirit gives to Christians. When children are small we start teaching them to be kind. “Share your toys.” “Let other people be first.” “Always say ‘please’ and ‘thank you.’” When I think about kindness, I think about Abraham. Our Bible Reading tells us that Abraham and Lot decided to separate their flocks of animals. Abraham was kind to Lot. Abraham let Lot choose which land he wanted. Lot chose the best land with lots of water. But the place Lot chose was full of sinful people. Lot faced many problems because of his choice. Abraham stayed in the hills. But God blessed Abraham for his kindness. God promised Abraham much land and many descendents (children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren). God will bless us for our kindness, too. When we are kind to other people, we please God and we are happy. Start today and be kind to the people you see at work, at home and at school. —JK “Be kind and loving to each other.” Ephesians 4:32a PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I want to always be kind to other people. In Jesus’ name. Amen.