We Need Each Other / 相依共存

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Dexu Xia

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May 24, 2019, 12:50:05 AM5/24/19

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We Need Each Other

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. Colossians 3:15

While on a hike with my kids, we discovered a light, springy green plant growing in small clumps on the trail. According to a signpost, the plant is commonly called deer moss, but it’s not actually a moss at all. It’s a lichen. A lichen is a fungus and an alga growing together in a mutualistic relationship in which both organisms benefit from each other. Neither the fungus nor the alga can survive on its own, but together they form a hardy plant that can live in some alpine areas for up to 4,500 years. Because the plant can withstand drought and low temperatures, it’s one of the only food sources for caribou (reindeer) in deep winter.

The relationship between the fungus and the alga reminds me of our human relationships. We rely on each other. To grow and flourish, we need to be in relationship with each other.

Paul, writing to believers in Colossae, describes how our relationships should look. We are to clothe ourselves with “compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience” (Colossians 3:12). We ought to forgive each other and live in peace “as members of one body” (v. 15).

It’s not always easy to live in peace with our families or friends. But when the Spirit empowers us to exhibit humility and forgiveness in our relationships, our love for each other points to Christ (John 13:35) and brings glory to God. By Amy Peterson

Reflect & Pray

In what ways do your relationships point to Jesus? How can you pursue peace?

Holy Spirit, fill us with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience toward each other so the world may see Your love in us.

相依共存

又要叫基督的平安在你们心里做主，你们也为此蒙召，归为一体。-歌罗西书3章15节

跟孩子一起登山健行时，我们发现一种轻巧富有弹性的绿色植物，一丛丛地滋生在山径上。解说牌上注明，这种植物常被称为“鹿苔”，但其实不是青苔，而是一种地衣。地衣是真菌和藻类共生体，是彼此相依共存、互利互惠而形成的有机体。无论真菌或藻类都无法独自存活，但若是彼此相依就能成为生命力顽强的植物，可以在某些高山地区生存达4,500年之久。也因为这种植物能抗旱耐寒，因此成为北美驯鹿在严冬中少数的食物来源之一。

真菌和藻类之间的关系，使我联想到人与人之间的关系。我们也都互相依存，需要彼此建立关系才能成长茁壮。

保罗写信给歌罗西教会的信徒时，就描述了信徒应如何彼此相待。他告诉我们“要存怜悯、恩慈、谦虚、温柔、忍耐的心”（歌罗西书3章12节），又要彼此饶恕、和平共处，因我们乃是“归为一体”（15节）。

要与家人或朋友和谐相处，并不总是那么容易。但圣灵会加添能力，使我们在与人相处时可以心存谦卑与饶恕。我们若有彼此相爱的心就能彰显基督（约翰福音13章35节），并使上帝得着荣耀。

天父，求祢的灵使我们心存怜悯、恩慈、谦虚、
温柔、忍耐，好让世人看见祢的爱在我们当中。