Luke 6:32-35 (NKJV) “But if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive back, what credit is that to you? For even sinners lend to sinners to receive as much back. But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil.
All believers can experience righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. However, we must deny ourselves, take up the cross, and walk in love. God has empowered us to do so with the help of the Holy Spirit and our born-again nature.
Borrowing and lending money are sensitive matters, even among relatives, so how much more so when it involves church members? We should never borrow money from anyone in church. For those who have done so, you should have the integrity to repay it as soon as possible. We should never borrow money to sustain a lifestyle, nor should we rely on credit. We should live within our means and, when necessary, adjust our standards of living. It is often preferable to seek help from family members when facing financial needs. During times of financial difficulty, it is advisable to consider liquidating assets and investments.
Perhaps you have given money to others in times of financial need. We must be wise in handling situations when people want to borrow money from us, as we don’t want to encourage them, and it may not be in their best interest. If the person returns the money, it would be a bonus, but if they fail to return it, we should also be mentally prepared to write it off. Sometimes, there may not even be a word of gratitude. However, you can be assured that God remembers and takes notes of it.
We live in a fallen world. People can sometimes be selfish, unkind, cruel, and rude. Although many such individuals will enter our lives, we can respond to them in very different ways. Vindictive actions and words destroy families and relationships, robbing us of our joy and peace. Jesus has called us to be different, as we have crucified our old selves with Christ and are empowered by the Holy Spirit to love. The world cannot see Jesus physically, but they can see Christ in us when we choose to live for Him by denying ourselves and walking in love.
Sermon Series: Dying to Self
行在爱中
路加福音 6:32-35 “你们若单爱那爱你们的人，有什么可称赞的呢？就是罪人也爱那爱他们的人。你们若善待那善待你们的人，有什么可称赞的呢？就是罪人也会这样做。你们若借给人，指望从他收回，有什么可称赞的呢？就是罪人也借给罪人，要如数收回。你们倒要爱仇敌，也要善待他们，并要借给人不指望偿还；你们的赏赐就必大了，你们也必作至高者的儿子，因为他恩待那忘恩的和作恶的。”
每一位信徒都可以在圣灵里经历公义、平安和喜乐。然而，我们必须舍己，背起自己的十字架，并且活出爱的生命。神已经藉着圣灵的帮助和我们的重生本性，赐给我们这样的能力。
借钱和贷款是非常敏感的事情，即使在亲人之间尚且如此，更何况是在教会弟兄姐妹之间呢？我们不应该向教会里的任何人借钱。如果有人已经这样做了，就当尽快偿还，以显明诚信。我们绝不应该为了维持某种生活方式而借贷，也不应该依赖信用卡度日。我们应当量入为出，必要时调整生活标准。当面临经济需要时，向家人寻求帮助往往是更可取的选择。在经济困难时期，也可以考虑变卖资产或投资来解决燃眉之急。
也许你曾经在别人财务困难时伸出援手。当有人向我们借钱时，我们必须智慧地处理，因为我们不希望助长他们的依赖，而且这也不一定对他们有益。如果对方最终还钱，那固然是额外的恩典；但如果未能偿还，我们也应当心里预备好，把它视作一种奉献。有时候，甚至连一句感谢的话都得不到。但你可以确信，神都记念，并且祂必亲自报答。
我们生活在一个堕落的世界里。人有时会表现出自私、冷漠、残酷和粗鲁。虽然我们的生命中难免会遇到这样的人，但我们却可以选择以完全不同的方式回应。报复的言语和行为会摧毁家庭和关系，夺走我们的喜乐和平安。耶稣呼召我们活出不一样的生命——因为我们的旧人已经与基督同钉十字架，并且圣灵赐给我们力量去爱。世人虽然无法用肉眼看见耶稣，但他们可以在我们身上看见基督，只要我们选择舍己，活出爱的生命。
讲章系列：治死老我
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