11月22日

標 題：相互扶持

經 節：兩個人總比一個人好，因為二人勞碌同得美好的果效。若是跌倒，這人可以扶起他的同伴；若是孤身跌倒，沒有別人扶起他來，這人就有禍了。（傳道書四章9-10節）

從世界被創造的起頭，神很清楚地表明，人獨居並不好（創世記二：18）。神的心意是要我們彼此合作。祂在整本聖經中，提及祂的百姓同心協力，比單打獨鬥能完成更多的成就。神並沒有將我們創造為隔離、互不相干的個體，每個人只要個別完成目標即可。更確切地說，我們的努力能否成功，取決於我們彼此互賴的關係。這就是為什麼祂建立教會，並且釋放聖靈給祂的信徒們，給他們能力去傳福音。我們是一群祭司所組成的國度（彼得前書二：9）。

在困境中，我們與其他信徒相交、同行天路，是很重要的。當危機來到，單獨面對困境會壓垮我們。如果我們培養了互相支持的友誼，就能在那些關懷的安慰與鼓勵中，找到力量。當我們受試探引誘時，彼此互賴也是一種安全警衛。我們一再看到許多在試探中跌倒的例子，他們跌倒是因為他們孤立自己，遠離其他的信徒，並且身邊也沒有其他可信靠的基督徒，來督責自己。

如果你沒有信徒相互關懷的生活，你便錯失了神原本的計劃。不但如此，你也陷入犯罪的危險中。你必須將自己的生活，與其他尋求神旨意的基督徒，相互連結起來。要願意加入其他人的事工，實踐神所交付的任務，努力成為你周圍的人所需要的支持及鼓勵來源。

Standing with Others

Two are better than one, Because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, For he has no one to help him up. (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10)

From the beginning of time, God made it clear that it is not good for His people to be alone (Gen. 2:18). God designed us to cooperate. Throughout the Scriptures He speaks of His people as a community that accomplishes more together than separately. God did not create us as isolated individuals, each seeking to achieve our own goals. Rather, the success of our endeavors depends upon our interdependence. This is why He established the Church and released His Holy Spirit to empower the community of believers to spread the gospel. We are to be a kingdom of priests (1 Pet. 2:9).

During difficult times it is critical that we are walking in fellowship with other Christians. When a crisis hits, it is overwhelming to face it alone. But if we have cultivated supportive friendships, we will find strength in the comfort and encouragement of those who care about us. Interdependence is also a safeguard for us when we are lured by temptation. The consistent testimony of those who have fallen to temptation is that they isolated themselves from other believers and were not held accountable by Christian friends.

If you are not a part of a caring community of believers, you are missing out on what God designed you for. You are also in danger of falling into sin. You must link your life with others who are seeking God’s will. Seek to be a person who willingly joins others in carrying out God’s assignments. Strive to be the source of support and encouragement that those around you need.