Community in Christ 信仰群体
Dexu Xia
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. Ecclesiastes 4:12
“I knew that the only way to succeed was to forget about home and my wife, son, and daughter,” said Jordon. “I’ve found I can’t do that. They’re woven into the fabric of my heart and soul.” Alone in a remote area, Jordon was participating in a reality show where contestants are asked to survive outdoors with minimal supplies for as long as possible. What forced him to forfeit was not the grizzly bears, freezing temperatures, injury, or hunger, but an overwhelming loneliness and desire to be with his family.
We might have all the survival skills necessary for the wilderness, but separating ourselves from community is a sure way to fail. The wise author of Ecclesiastes said, “Two are better than one, because . . . one can help the other up” (4:9-10). Christ-honoring community, even with all its messiness, is essential to our thriving. We don’t stand a chance against the trials of this world if we try to tackle them on our own. Someone who toils alone, toils in vain (v. 8). Without community, we’re more susceptible to danger (vv. 11-12). Unlike a single thread, “a cord of three strands is not quickly broken” (v. 12). The gift of a loving, Christ-focused community is one that not only provides encouragement, but also gives us strength to thrive despite challenging situations. We need each other. By: Karen Pimpo
How can you commit to spending time with the family of believers? Who around you is isolated and in need?
Father, thank You for the gift of community! Open my heart to love and spend time with others today.
三股合成的绳子不容易折断。—传道书4章12节
“我知道要成功过关的唯一办法，就是忘记我的家庭、我的妻子、儿女……但我就是做不到！他们已经深深刻在我心里了。”乔丹参加了一个真人实境节目，参赛者需要独自一人在偏远地区，以最少的物资在野外求生，时间越长胜利的机会越高。但后来迫使乔丹放弃比赛的原因，不是大灰熊，不是严寒低温，也不是受伤或挨饿，而是一股排山倒海的孤独感，以及与家人在一起的渴望。
我们可能具备了野外求生所需的一切技能，但让自己脱离群体却注定会失败。传道书的作者满有智慧，他说：“两个人总比一个人好，因为……这人可以扶起他的同伴”（4章9-10节）。在一个尊荣基督的群体当中，即使有许多混乱，但对我们个人成长而言，依然至关重要。
在面对这个世界的考验时，我们若单打独斗，必定毫无胜算。一个人独自劳碌不息，劳碌也是枉然（8节）。离了群体，我们更容易被击垮（11-12节）。一条绳子容易断，“三股合成的绳子不容易折断”（12节）。一个有爱、以基督为核心的群体是上帝所赐的恩典，不仅能带给我们鼓励，也给我们力量，让我们在充满挑战的环境中茁壮成长。的确，我们需要彼此，需要群体！ 作者： 平凯灵
你如何尽量安排时间与主内弟兄姐妹相聚？
你身边有谁是孤单、需要帮助的呢？
我们都需要群体，在其中能彼此相顾，激发爱心，勉励行善。
天父，谢谢祢让我们能在群体中生活！
请打开我的心，让我今天能去爱他人，
花时间与人相聚。