2. Manna issue 93 - Strained Relationships, Steadfast Faith 緊張的關係，堅定的信心
Philip Shee—Singapore 新加坡 Philip Shee
Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you,
which also you received and in which you stand, by which also you are saved,
if you hold fast that word which I preached to you.
(1 Cor 15:1–2)
1弟兄們，我如今把先前所傳給你們的福音告訴你們知道；
這福音你們也領受了，又靠著站立得住，
2能以持守我所傳給你們的，就必因這福音得救。
(林前 15：1-2)
While receiving and standing in the word of God is indeed key to our salvation,
it is equally critical that we hold fast to the word right to the end.
This is consistent with the Bible's teachings
about holding on to our faith and enduring to the end:
雖然接受站立在神的話語中，確實是我們得救的關鍵，
同樣重要的是，我們能堅守真道直到最後
這符合聖經的教導，
有關堅守自已的信仰，並且堅持到底：
"Now the just shall live by faith;
But if anyone draws back,
My soul has no pleasure in him."
But we are not of those who draw back to perdition,
but of those who believe to the saving of the soul.
(Heb 10:38–39)
38只是義人（有古卷：我的義人）必因信得生。他若退後，我心裡就不喜歡他。
39我們卻不是退後入沉淪的那等人，乃是有信心以致靈魂得救的人。
(來 10：38-39)
And you will be hated by all for My name's sake.
But he who endures to the end will be saved.
(Mt 10:22)
22並且你們要為我的名被眾人恨惡。惟有忍耐到底的必然得救。
(太 10：22)
But he who endures to the end shall be saved.
(Mt 24:13)
13惟有忍耐到底的，必然得救。
(太 24：13)
These passages point to the need to remain steadfast
even in extreme suffering, adversity, and persecution.
Regrettably, as we pore over old pictures,
we are often reminded of brethren
who were once fervent in the faith and zealous in service
but are no longer in the church.
They might have left
because they were offended or disappointed in some way.
While their departures were not without reason,
it is sad that
the triggers are often nowhere near the level of adversity
for which the above Bible passages prepare us.
Sometimes people leave
due to the actions of others
and, over time, seek to justify their departure
by deviating from the truth they once embraced
and picking faults with basic biblical doctrines.
How can we preserve our faith and salvation
when we face relationship issues
that could eventually cause us to forsake the truth?
這些經節表明需要堅定持守，
即使處於極端的痛苦、逆境和迫害之中。
遺憾的是，當我們翻看舊照片的時候，
我們經常會想起弟兄，
他們曾經是熱心信仰，熱心事奉的人，
然而現在已不再在教會裡。
他們可能已經離開了教會，
因為可能有些地方，他們發生衝突，或是感到失望。
雖然他們離開，並非沒有原因，
令人難過的是，
觸發的因素通常還不到敵對的程度，
為了應對這種情況，聖經經文已經為我們做好了準備。
有時人們會離開，
是因為別人的行為，
並且隨著時間的越來越久，會找理由來合理化自已的離開，
背離他們曾經信奉的真理，
挑剔基本聖經的教義。
當我們面對關係有問題的時候，
要怎樣才能保持我們的信心和救恩，
到最後會導致我們去放棄真理呢？
MISUNDERSTANDING 誤解
As the church is a body of diverse people who interact frequently,
there will inevitably be instances of miscommunication and misunderstanding between members.
These can rapidly deepen into mistrust
if they go unresolved, resulting in further misunderstanding.
Involved parties begin to view every conversation with suspicion,
analyzing every word for hidden meanings,
and scrutinizing every action as each person doubts the other's intentions.
Relationships begin to splinter and break.
Eventually, such broken relationships,
particularly between those who were once best of friends,
can lead us to distance ourselves from other members.
This can then spiral into us doubting our faith
and diluting the truth we once accepted with these same people.
由於教會是不同的人組成團體，彼此經常互動，
不可避免信徒之間會有溝通不良和誤解的情況。
這些事情會迅速加深懷疑，
如果事情沒有解決，將導致進一步的誤解。
相關遷涉的人，會開始懷疑檢視每次對話，
分析每個字的隱藏意義，
並且仔細探討每一個動作，因為大家都懷疑對方的意圖。
關係開始碎裂和破壞。
最終，這種破裂的關係，
尤其是那些曾經是最好朋友之人其中，
會導致我們與其他信徒保持距離。
然後這會惡化，讓我們懷疑自已的信仰，
並淡化了自已曾經與這些人一同接受的真理。
We must recognize Satan's hand in stirring such troubles in church.
As the apostolic church grew, Satan's insidious disruption also multiplied.
The initial persecution came from external sources,
with the arrest of Peter and John after the miracle at the gate called Beautiful.
But Satan's subterfuge rapidly moved into the church
with the corruption of Ananias and Sapphira
(Acts 3–5).
When both ploys failed,
Satan started planting misunderstandings between members to divide the church:
我們必須辨別撒但在教會中挑起這樣的爭端。
隨著使徒教會的成長，撒旦狡滑陰險的破壞也逐漸倍增。
起初的迫害來自外部情況，，
美門旅行神蹟之後，彼得和約翰遭受追捕。
但撒旦的詭計迅速伸入教會
出現了亞拿尼亞和撒非喇的墮落，
（徒 3-5 章）。
而這兩種計謀都失敗的時候，
撒旦開始於信徒之間製造誤會，分裂教會：
Now in those days, when the number of disciples was multiplying,
there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists,
because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution.
(Acts 6:1)
1那時，門徒增多，
有說希利尼話的猶太人向希伯來人發怨言，
因為在天天的供給上忽略了他們的寡婦。
(徒 6：1)
The daily distribution of food to widows
was a favorable arrangement of love within the early church.
Ironically, even a positive practice was hijacked by Satan to attack the church.
The disagreement could have arisen from the oversight of the Hebrews
or the oversensitivity of the Hellenists.
However, to conclude that
it was a deliberate, systemic, and malicious decision by the Hebrews
would deepen any existing misunderstanding
between members who were already one in Christ,
who "were of one heart and one soul,"
and "had all things in common"
(Acts 4:32).
This was a dangerous development
as it could have triggered deep division within the church
as each community viewed the other with suspicion and animosity,
resulting in individuals and households feeling unfairly treated.
每天給寡婦的食物配給，
是早期教會中愛心令人讚許的安排。
諷刺的是，即使是正面的行為，也被撒但劫持來攻擊教會。
可能出現意見不合，是由於希伯來人的疏忽，
或是希臘人的過度敏感反應。
然而，要作出結論，
這是希伯來人故意、系統性、惡意的決定
會深化何何現有的誤會，
出現在已經在基督裡合為一體的同靈之間，
他們“都是一心一意的”，
和“都是大家公用”
（徒 4：32）。
這是一個危險的發展，
因為它可能會引發教會內部的嚴重分裂，
而每個團體都會以懷疑和敵意的眼光看待對方，
導致個人和家庭感到不公平對待。
Thankfully, the apostles had wisdom and guidance from God to handle this swiftly,
resulting in a good outcome.
The church was asked to appoint from among themselves seven men
of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom,
to assist the apostles in this matter.
It is noteworthy that
the ones chosen included people with Greek names,
such as Nicanor, Timon, and Parmenas,
who were likely Hellenists.
This was an elegant way to resolve sensitivities,
as these seven men would have been trusted to be fair,
given the representation from the Hellenists
and the respect they would have had from the believers who selected them.
感謝神，使徒們有神的智慧和帶領，來迅速處理這件事，
事情處理的結果很好。
大家要求教會，從他們中間選出七個人，
要有好名聲，充滿聖靈和智慧，
在這此事上幫助使徒。
值得注意的是，
被選上的人，有包括希臘名字的人，
比如 Nicanor 尼迦挪, Timon 提門, Parmenas 巴米拿,，
他們很可能是希臘人。
這是解決敏感問題巧妙優雅的方式，
因為這七個人能被大家信任可以處事公平，
賦予成為希臘人的代表，
以及應該本就具備信徒票選他們的尊重。
Similar challenges could occur in church today
as Satan continues to disrupt the work of God.
If unaddressed, such misunderstandings could build up negative emotions among members.
Cynicism can set in
if they cannot reconcile the perceived lack of justice or fairness in church
with the word of God they hear,
particularly if they already harbor prejudice against specific speakers or church leaders.
今日的教會可能會出現類似的挑戰，
因為撒旦一直繼續擾亂神的工作。
如果沒有解決，這種誤解可能會在信徒之間累積負面的情緒。
可能會出現憤世嫉俗的情況，
如果他們不能和大家認知，教會中缺乏公義公平的想法，
與他們所聽見神的話語相互調和，
特別是如果他們已經對特定代表或是教會帶領者有偏見。
As we recognize Satan's ploys,
we should increase our vigilance,
"with all lowliness and gentleness,
with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love,
endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace"
(Eph 4:2–3).
當我們認清撒但的詭計時，
我們應該提高警惕，
“2凡事謙虛、溫柔、
忍耐，用愛心互相寬容，
3用和平彼此聯絡，竭力保守聖靈所賜合而為一的心。”
（弗 4：2-3）。
And as we continue to embrace
"the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God
…we should no longer be like children, tossed to and fro
and carried about with every wind of doctrine"
(Eph 4:13--–14).
當我們繼續擁抱
“13在真道上同歸於一，認識神的兒子，...
14使我們不再作小孩子，被一切異教之風搖動，飄來飄去”
（弗 4：13---14）。
PRIDE 驕傲
The Corinthian church comprised many gifted and affluent believers,
knowledgeable, eloquent, and full of worldly wisdom.
They could have used their resources and blessings from God to further His ministry.
Unfortunately, their pride took the front seat
as they sought to glorify themselves,
boasting of their gifts rather than glorifying God or edifying the church.
And as they pandered to their ego,
each elevated themselves above others.
Some even felt superior to Paul and despised him and his teachings.
They started to find reasons to differentiate themselves from others,
including making distinctions between the workers of God,
as though these workers were divided, with different views of the truth:
哥林多教會有許多有恩賜且富裕的信徒，
知識淵博，能言善道，充滿世俗的智慧。
他們本可以使用自已來自神的祝福的資源，促進神的聖工。
不幸的是，他們的驕傲取得了優先，
因為他們只想要榮耀自己，
誇口自己的恩賜，而不是榮耀神，或造就教會。
當他們迎合滿足自尊時，
個人都自覺高人一等。
有些人甚至自覺比保羅優秀，鄙視他與其教導。
他們開始找理由，分別自己與眾人，
包括區分不同神的工人，
就好像這些聖工人員是分裂的，對真理有不同的看法：
Now I say this, that each of you says,
"I am of Paul," or "I am of Apollos," or "I am of Cephas," or "I am of Christ."
Is Christ divided?
Was Paul crucified for you?
Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?
(1 Cor 1:12–13)
12我的意思就是你們各人說：
我是屬保羅的；我是屬亞波羅的；我是屬磯法的；我是屬基督的。
13基督是分開的麼？
保羅為你們釘了十字架麼？
你們是奉保羅的名受了洗麼？
(林前 1：12-13)
[F]or you are still carnal.
For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you,
are you not carnal and behaving like mere men?
For when one says,
"I am of Paul,"
and another,
"I am of Apollos," are you not carnal?
(1 Cor 3:3–4)
3你們仍是屬肉體的，
因為在你們中間有嫉妒、分爭，
這豈不是屬乎肉體、照著世人的樣子行麼？
4有說：我是屬保羅的；
有說：我是屬亞波羅的。
這豈不是你們和世人一樣麼？
(林前 3：3-4)
As Paul defended the unity of the apostles
—that he, Peter, and Apollos were completely aligned
—he also called out the error of the Corinthians:
正如保羅辯護使徒的聯合，
—他、彼得和亞波羅完全相同，
—他還指出了哥林多教會的錯誤：
Now these things, brethren,
I have figuratively transferred to myself and Apollos for your sakes,
that you may learn in us not to think beyond what is written,
that none of you may be puffed up on behalf of one against the other.
For who makes you differ from another?
And what do you have that you did not receive?
Now if you did indeed receive it, why do you boast
as if you had not received it?
(1 Cor 4:6–7)
6弟兄們，我為你們的緣故，
拿這些事轉比自己和亞波羅，
叫你們效法我們不可過於聖經所記，
免得你們自高自大，貴重這個，輕看那個。
7使你與人不同的是誰呢？
你有甚麼不是領受的呢；
若是領受的，為何自誇，
彷彿不是領受的呢？
(林前 3：3-4)
Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies.
And if anyone thinks that he knows anything,
he knows nothing yet as he ought to know.
(1 Cor 8:1b–2)
1但知識是叫人自高自大，惟有愛心能造就人。
2若有人以為自己知道甚麼，
按他所當知道的，他仍是不知道。
(林前 8：1b-2)
We need to learn from the mistakes of the Corinthians and heed the teachings of Paul.
Have we unwittingly allowed pride to creep into our hearts?
If so, we could be in danger of
exalting ourselves rather than glorifying God or edifying others.
We may seek to establish ourselves through novel ideas
or unsound new teachings just to stand out.
Our pride may be further nourished
by some who "will not endure sound doctrine,
but according to their desires,
because they have itching ears
...will heap up for themselves teachers;
and they will turn their ears away from the truth,
and be turned aside to fables"
(2 Tim 4:3–4).
我們要從哥林多教會的錯誤中吸取教訓，並聽從保羅的教導。
我們是否不知不覺中，讓驕傲潛入了自已的內心？
如果是這樣，我們可能會有危險，
高抬自己，而不是榮耀神或造就別人。
我們可能會想要用新奇的想法，來抬高自己
或是不健全的教義新主張，來突出自已。
我們的驕傲可能會進一步得到滋養，
受到一些人“3人必厭煩純正的道理，
耳朵發癢，就隨從自己的情慾，
，增添好些師傅，
4並且掩耳不聽真道，
偏向荒渺的言語。”
（提後 4：3-4）。
As our fan base grows,
we may turn a deaf ear to advice from concerned members
as we entrench ourselves deeper in our deviant views.
This is a common human reflex:
defending ourselves rather than admitting that we may have been wrong.
Our pride can stand in the way of our relationships in church
as sound advice is deemed an attack.
What should have prompted reflection sparks retaliation,
and relationships sour as views diverge.
This could eventually lead to parties departing from the faith
or a split within the church.
隨著我們的仰慕者越來越多，
我們可能不會理會有關信徒的建議，
因為我們會更深信堅持自己的偏差觀點。
這是一種很自然的人類反應：
為自己辯護，而不是承認自已可能錯了。
我們的驕傲可能會阻礙自已在教會中的關係
因為美好合理的建議被認為一種攻擊。
隨著會馬上出現本能反應的想法，就是導致想要報復，
因為看法不同，而導致關係惡化。
這最後可能會導致各方群體離棄信仰，
或是教會有內部分裂。
As we recognize the devil's schemes
and this potential danger the church faces,
let us constantly humble ourselves,
to let "nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit,
but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself"
(Phil 2:3).
We must also guard against falling into how the proud person operates,
as Paul observes:
當我們認出魔鬼的詭計，
以及教會所面臨這種潛藏的危險時，
我們要一直謙卑自己，
讓“3凡事不可結黨，不可貪圖虛浮的榮耀；
只要存心謙卑，各人看別人比自己強。”
（腓 2：3）。
我們還必須防止陷入驕傲的人如何運作，
正如保羅所觀察到的：
If anyone teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words,
even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ,
and to the doctrine which accords with godliness,
he is proud, knowing nothing,
but is obsessed with disputes and arguments over words,
from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions,
useless wranglings of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth.
(1 Tim 6:3–5a)
3若有人傳異教，不服從我們主耶穌基督純正的話與那合乎敬虔的道理，
4他是自高自大，一無所知，專好問難，爭辯言詞，從此就生出嫉妒、分爭、毀謗、妄疑，
5並那壞了心術、失喪真理之人的爭競。
(提前 6：3-5a)
HUMAN DIFFERENCES 人類差異
While the apostolic church was clearly led by the Holy Spirit
and serves as a positive model for us on many fronts,
we can also learn from records of human weaknesses among early church workers.
雖然使徒教會很明顯是由聖靈領導，
並且在許多方面，都為我們樹立了正面的榜樣，
我們也可以在記錄中，從早期教會的工人學習人性的弱點。
Euodia and Syntyche were good workers
who labored with Paul in the gospel
and with Clement and many others whose names are in the Book of Life.
While both were sincere workers who could cooperate well with others,
they could not get on with each other.
The underlying reasons are unclear,
but their animosity was so severe that Paul had to implore them to be of the same mind.
Paul also urged other members to help these women overcome their differences
(Phil 4:2–3).
If coworkers cannot agree,
they leave a foothold for the devil to disrupt the work of God and divide the church.
Their disagreement may initially be due to different approaches to church work.
But as distrust and animosity deepen,
each may build up supporters who oppose the work of the other,
even contradicting their teachings and views.
At this stage, confusion in the word of God may surface among the members.
友阿爹和循都基是好工人,
他們是保羅的同工傳揚福音，
以及革利免與許多其他名字記在生命冊上的人。
雖然兩人都是真誠的工人，可以很好與他人合作，
但他們彼此無法好好相處。
私底下的原因尚不清楚，
但他們的敵意很強烈，以致保羅不得不懇求他們保持同心。
保羅還鼓勵其他信徒，幫助這些女士克服差異
（腓 4：2-3）。
如果同工不同意，
他們就給魔鬼留下可乘之機，擾亂神的聖工，並分裂教會。
他們的不和，最初可能是由於對教會聖工作有不同的作法。
但隨著不信任和敵意的加深，
任意一方都可能建立反對對方工作的聲援者，
甚至與他們的教義和觀點互相矛盾。
在這個階段，信徒之間可能會出現解釋神道理的混亂。
For the sake of the church,
we must seek to disregard our differences
and endeavor to
"keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace"
(Eph 4:2–3).
為了教會，
我們必須尋求無視我們的差異，
並且努力，
“3用和平彼此聯絡，保守聖靈所賜合而為一的心。”
（弗 4：2-3）。
Peter and Paul also disagreed at a point in their ministry.
At that time, there were different views in the church concerning Gentile believers.
While Peter had accepted them and would eat with them normally,
he withdrew and separated himself from them
when some circumcised believers came to visit.
His hypocrisy also triggered similar behavior from the other Jewish believers,
including Barnabas.
When Paul witnessed Peter's conduct,
he confronted him directly
(Gal 2:11–14).
Such a clash between two leaders in the church could have led to a major crisis.
Peter could have become defiant, defensive,
or even adversarial from a bruised ego.
After all, he was a key pillar in the church,
and he might have wondered how Paul,
being a newer worker, had the audacity and arrogance to tell him off so directly.
彼得和保羅在事工上也存有分歧。
那時候，教會有關於外邦信徒不同的看法。
雖然彼得已經接受他們，並且會像往常一樣與他們一同吃飯，
當有一些受割禮的信徒來訪時，
他就退開，並與他們分開。
他的虛偽，也引發了其他猶太信徒的類似行為，
亦包括了巴拿巴。
當保羅看到彼得的行為時，
他直接質問他
（加 2：11-14）。
教會裡兩位領導者之間的這種衝突，可能會導致重大的危機。
彼得本可以變得充滿挑釁，帶著防禦心態，
甚至因為自負受損而充滿敵意。
畢竟，他是教會重要的柱石，
他可能會想，為何保羅，
作為一名新的工人，竟然如此大膽和自傲，來直接責備他。
On the other hand,
Paul could have continued riding his moral high horse,
treating Peter with disdain and disrespect.
This would have been disastrous for the ministry.
Thankfully, both Peter and Paul were magnanimous spiritual leaders
who could move forward positively.
They did not let their clash drive them apart
or cause them to diverge in their teaching of the word.
On the contrary,
they both converged and cooperated in their ministry.
Paul's epistles were available to Peter,
who referred to him as a beloved brother.
In his teachings, Peter also reinforced Paul's epistles,
urging believers to remain steadfast and not twist the Scriptures:
另一方面，
保羅本可以繼續秉持他的高道德標準，
鄙視不尊重彼得。
這將可能會造成事工災難性的問題。
感謝，彼得和保羅兩人都是寬宏大量的屬靈領導者，
他們能積極向前。
他們沒有讓兩方的衝突，造成他們分開，
或是使他們聖經的教導產生分歧。
相反的，
他們各自都在事工上，匯聚在一起並且相互合作。
保羅的書信可供彼得參考，
彼得認為他是親愛的兄弟。
在他的教導中，彼得還強調保羅的書信，
鼓勵信徒要保持堅定，不要曲解聖經：
[A]nd consider that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation
—as also our beloved brother Paul,
according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you,
as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things,
in which are some things hard to understand,
which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction,
as they do also the rest of the Scriptures.
You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand,
beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness,
being led away with the error of the wicked.
(2 Pet 3:15–17)
15並且要以我主長久忍耐為得救的因由，
就如我們所親愛的兄弟保羅，
照著所賜給他的智慧寫了信給你們。
16他一切的信上也都是講論這事。
信中有些難明白的，
那無學問、不堅固的人強解，如強解別的經書一樣，就自取沉淪。
17親愛的弟兄阿，你們既然預先知道這事，
就當防備，恐怕被惡人的錯謬誘惑，
就從自己堅固的地步上墜落。
(彼後 3：15-17)
While serving in church we may also experience clashes between coworkers.
In such times, let us learn from the spirituality of these two early workers.
在教會服事的時候，我們可能也會遇到同工之間的衝突。
在這樣的時刻，讓我們學習這兩位早期工人的精神。
On another occasion, Paul and Barnabas had firm
but differing opinions about whether to take John Mark along on their missionary trip.
Their contention was so sharp that Barnabas took Mark,
Paul took Silas, and they parted ways.
Again, this appeared to be an unfortunate development in the ministry
and put a regrettable strain on the relationship between two good coworkers
(Acts 15:36–40).
還有另一次，保羅和巴拿巴很堅定，
但卻是對於是否可以摧帶約翰馬可，跟隨他們宣道旅行有爭議。
他們的爭論很激烈，以至於巴拿巴帶走馬可，
保羅帶走西拉，他們就此分道揚鑣了。
同樣，這似乎又是福音事工一個不幸的發展，
並使兩個好同工之間的關係，出現令人遺憾的壓力
（徒 15：36-40）。
Both Paul and Barnabas had valid reasons for their opinions.
To Paul, missionary work was not to be taken lightly,
and John Mark had indeed left the missionary work midway in the past
(Acts 13:13).
保羅和巴拿巴的觀點，都有很重要的理由。
對保羅來說，宣教工作不可掉以輕心，
在過去時，約翰馬可確實中途離開了宣教工作
（徒 13:13）。
Conversely, Barnabas probably felt that John Mark was just a young, inexperienced worker
who ought to be given a second chance and nurtured with patience.
We may experience similar situations in church today.
Again, given that both Paul and Barnabas were spiritual workers,
they did not allow their contention to lead to deviation from the truth.
They neither regarded each other with enmity
nor viewed each other's work with disapproval.
The church continued to prosper
(Acts 16:5),
and Barnabas also managed to turn John Mark around to become a good worker,
beneficial to the ministry,
which was acknowledged by Paul
(2 Tim 4:11).
相反，巴拿巴可能覺得，約翰馬可只是一個年輕、沒有經驗的工人，
他應該可以得到第二次的機會，並用耐心培養。
今日在教會，我們可能亦會遇到類似的情況。
再一次重申，由於保羅和巴拿巴都是屬靈工人，
他們並不允許自已的爭論，進而導致偏離真理。
他們既不敵視對方，
也不會反對對方的工作。
教會事工則繼續興盛
（徒 16：5），
巴拿巴也設法讓約翰馬可成長，轉變成為一名好工人，
給福音事工帶來幫助，
這同樣得到保羅的認可
（提後 4：11）。
FAMILY CONFLICTS 家庭衝突
Just as disruption from within the church
is more dangerous than external threats,
a far more significant blow to our faith
may, unfortunately, come from our family members within the church.
This would be a double whammy,
as our loved ones often impact us the most.
就像來自教會內部的破壞一樣，
比外部威脅更加危險，
對我們的信仰造成更嚴重的打擊，
可能，不幸的是，是來自我們教會家庭內的成員。
這將會是雙重的打擊，
因為我們所愛之人，往往對我們傷害最大。
What if there are conflicts within our family
despite everyone being supposedly within the faith?
Would these conflicts affect our conviction in the truth,
our faith in God's love, and our zeal in our service?
Would we distance ourselves from church
if we were privy to behavior we deemed hypocritical among our family members,
who may be respected within the church,
concluding that others in the church are similar?
儘管大家本應該都有信仰，
如果我們家裡發生了衝突，該怎麼辦呢？
這些衝突會不會影響我們對真理的認定確信呢？
會影響我們愛神的信心嗎？會影響我們服事的熱心嗎？
我們會離開教會嗎？
如果家庭成員中，我們私下有自認是虛偽的行為，
有人可能在教會內受到尊重嗎？
並得出結論，認為教會的其他人也類似嗎？
For a start, we must recognize that nobody is perfect.
Even the most spiritual people have flaws they have yet to overcome
or moments of weakness when they fail to live up to God's standard.
David, a man after the heart of God,
fell into sin over Bathsheba and was unaware of his hypocrisy
(2 Sam 11:1–12:14).
Abraham, the father of faith,
lacked the courage to protect his wife
when he told Abimelech that Sarah was his sister
(Gen 20).
Peter and Barnabas were hypocritical in their behavior towards the Gentile believers
(Gal 2:11–14).
首先，我們必須認識到，沒有人是完美的。
即使是最屬靈的人，也還有尚未克服的缺點
或是軟弱的時刻，而他們不能達到神的標準。
大衛，一個合神心意的人，
因拔示巴而犯罪，並沒有意識到自已的虛偽
（撒下 11：1–12：14）。
信心之父亞伯拉罕，
沒有勇氣保護妻子，
當他告訴亞比米勒王，撒拉是自已的妹妹，
（創 20）。
彼得和巴拿巴行為虛偽，對待外邦信徒
（加 2：11-14）。
Hence, even as we witness weaknesses and failures
among our family members who should know better,
let us not be overwhelmed by surprise, disappointment, or disgust.
After all, their human weaknesses have no bearing on the faithfulness of God.
We must also be careful not to be overly judgmental
just because we are more familiar with these family members than others are
—as Jesus warned us,
"A prophet is not without honor except in his own country and in his own house"
(Mt 13:57).
因此，即使我們看到本該熟識家人的弱點和失敗時，
我們不要因為驚訝、失望或厭惡而崩潰。
畢竟，他們人性的弱點，與神的信實無關。
我們還必須注意，不要過度挑剔，
只因為我們比別人更了解這些家人，
—正如耶穌警告我們的那樣，
“57大凡先知，除了本地本家之外，沒有不被人尊敬的。”
（太 13：57）。
A more unfortunate and trickier situation would be
when one or more of our family members stray from the truth
or commit a mortal sin.
As we interact with them,
we may experience a deep conflict within
as we try to defend the truth, tantamount to proclaiming judgment on our loved ones.
As we struggle with the pain and turmoil within us,
we may even question or blame God for the situation.
Such circumstances are indeed unfortunate,
and we may not always have immediate answers as to why they transpired.
更不幸和更棘手的情況是，
當我們有一個或很多家人偏離真理時，
或是犯下大罪。
當我們與他們互動時，
我們可能會覺得內心深處有衝突，
因為我們想要捍衛真理時，無異於宣告我們親愛之人的判決。
當我們與內心掙扎有痛苦和混亂時，
我們甚至可能會為這種情況，而質疑或責怪神。
這種情況確實很不幸，
我們可能並不會，總能立即了解事情發生原因的答案。
However, our indignation will not help us to better understand or solve the challenge.
The only option is to remain steadfast,
continue doing what is right,
and trust that God will have an answer for us eventually.
We can learn from how Jonathan chose his spiritual relationship with David,
established in the Lord, over his physical relationship with Saul, his father.
He opposed his father's erroneous behavior and supported David instead
(1 Sam 19–20).
When the sons of Aaron
—Nadab and Abihu
—died before the Lord for offering profane fire,
this must have been difficult, sad, and painful for Aaron.
But he held his peace when God explained the reason
(Lev 10:1–3).
Abraham, when tested, offered his son, Isaac, on the altar.
And God acknowledged that Abraham did not withhold even his son from Him
(Gen 22:1–12).
Hence, while we should love our family,
we must recognize that such love must never exceed our love for God.
For this reason, the Lord Jesus left the following teaching for us:
然而，生氣並不會幫助我們更能了解或解決問題。
唯一的選擇就是堅定不移，
繼續做正確的事，
並相信神以後會給我們一個答案。
我們可以從約拿單如何選擇與大衛建立屬靈的關係，從中學習，
在主裡面建立根基，超越了他與自已父親掃羅的肉體關係。
他反對父親的錯誤行為，轉而支持大衛
（撒上 19-20）。
當亞倫的兒子
—拿答和亞比戶
—因為獻上世俗凡火，而死在耶和華神面前，
這對亞倫來說，一定很困難、悲傷和痛苦。
但是神解釋原因的時候，他保持沉默，
（利 10：1-3）。
亞伯拉罕受到試驗時，在祭壇上獻上自已的兒子以撒。
神認定，亞伯拉罕沒有有所保留，甚至是自已的兒子，
（創 22：1-12）。
因此，雖然我們應該疼愛自已的家人，
我們必須認清，這種疼愛絕不可超過我們愛神。
因此，主耶穌給我們留下教導：
He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me.
And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me.
(Mt 10:37)
37愛父母過於愛我的，不配作我的門徒；愛兒女過於愛我的，不配作我的門徒；
38不背著他的十字架跟從我的，也不配作我的門徒。
(太 10：37)
FINAL REFLECTIONS 最後反思
As we continue our walk of faith,
our fellowship in the church,
and our service to the Lord,
it is inevitable that Satan will attempt to disrupt
and derail our journey to salvation.
There may be times
when we experience challenges in our church relationships
or conflicts within our family.
We learn from the records of the apostolic church
and the experiences of the saints
that they also faced similar challenges.
They were, however, able to overcome them to reach good outcomes.
Likewise, whether we face disappointments, provocations, misunderstandings,
or any other challenges within our relationships,
let us not allow these to translate into doubts about the truth that we have embraced,
and let us remain steadfast in our faith to the end.
當我們繼續我們行走信仰之路時，
我們教會的團契，
和我們服事主，
不可避免的，撒旦會想要破壞，
並使我們的得救之旅走偏。
或許可能有好幾次，
當我們教會的關係，遇到問題時，
或是家中有衝突。
我們學習使徒教會的記錄，
和聖徒的經驗，
他們也同樣面臨著類似的挑戰。
然而，他們能夠克服這些障礙，得到很好的結果。
同樣的，無論我們是否會面對失望、挑釁、誤會，
或我們的關係有任何其他的困難，
我們不要讓這些問題，轉化為懷疑自已領受的真理，
讓我們堅守信心直到最後。
小頁 markvmax@hotmail.com
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