7月24日

標　　題：生命有所不同

經　　節：我的弟兄們，你們中間若有失迷真道的，有人使他回轉，這人該知道：叫一個罪人從迷路上轉回便是救一個靈魂不死，並且遮蓋許多的罪。（雅各書五章19∼20節）

基督徒生命中有個最大的阻礙，是其他基督徒生命的罪。有些基督徒認為，其他人犯罪不幹自己的事。他們認為，如果對在罪中的人有反應，就是論斷人。這個世界勸阻我們要自掃門前雪，這種靜止不動攔阻人們成為有效的代禱者。

身為基督徒，我們知道罪帶來死亡（羅馬書六：23）。罪破壞人際關係、毀滅婚姻、喜樂和平安。當我們看到有人由真理向錯誤遊蕩，應該如何反應？當耶穌看到有人犯罪，祂心碎了。當祂看到人們拒絕真理，祂為所有居民哭泣（馬太福音廿三：37∼39）。祂熱切地為門徒們禱告，在被試探時能夠堅強（約翰福音十七章）。祂警告那些靈性將要失敗的人。耶穌甚至願意為世人死來拯救他們，因為祂知道罪惡會掠奪生命的一切。當周圍的人因罪的緣故走岔路，耶穌從沒有不管他們，祂總是主動地幫助他們回轉向神。

「自掃門前雪」的想法會省掉你很多麻煩，然而，這個想法沒辦法幫助你的弟兄姊妹回轉向神。如果你真的明白那些沉溺罪惡死亡的後果，你會像耶穌一樣傷心哭泣。為你的朋友熱切禱告，如此會護衛你的動機，預備你成為他的幫助。當神要你向朋友揭露他們的罪行時，要儆醒。用溫柔的心挽回他，又當自己小心，免得自己也被引誘。

The Difference Your Life Can Make

Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins. (James 5:19-20)

One of the Christian’s greatest deterrents from sin is the life of another Christian. Some Christians maintain that it is none of their business if another chooses to sin. They are convinced that they are being judgmental if they respond to someone in sin. The world persuades them not to get involved, but this inaction prevents them from being an effective intercessor.

As Christians we are aware that sin brings death (Rom. 6:23). Sin kills relationships, dismantles marriages, stifles joy, and destroys peace. When we see someone wander from the truth into error, how should we respond? When Jesus saw sin it broke His heart. He wept over entire cities as He saw them rejecting the truth (Matt. 23:37–39). He prayed fervently for His disciples to be strong when they were tempted (John 17). He warned those who were heading toward spiritual failure (Matt. 26:20–25, 34). Jesus was even willing to die to save people from their sins because He knew the devastation that sin causes. Jesus never stood idle as those around Him were led astray by their sin. He always took an active role in turning them back to God.

“Minding your own business” will save you some discomfort, but it will not help a brother or sister who needs to return to the Lord. If you are truly aware of the grave consequences for those who continue in sin, you will be moved to weep even as Jesus wept. Pray fervently for your friend. That will safeguard your motives and prepare you to minister to him. Be alert, in the event that God asks you to confront your friend. If you do so, be loving and gentle lest you, too, be tempted (Gal. 6:1).