The Language of the Cross 十架之语

[Dexu Xia]

God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8

Pastor Tim Keller said, “Nobody ever learns who they are by being told. They must be shown.” In a sense, it’s one application of the adage, “Actions speak louder than words.” Spouses show their mates that they’re appreciated by listening to them and loving them. Parents show their children they’re valued by lovingly caring for them. Coaches show athletes they have potential by investing in their development. And on it goes. By the same token, a different kind of action can show people painful things that communicate much darker messages.

Of all the action-based messages in the universe, there’s one that matters most. When we want to be shown who we are in God’s eyes, we need look no further than His actions on the cross. In Romans 5:8, Paul wrote, “God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” The cross shows us who we are: those whom God so loved that He gave His one and only Son for us (John 3:16).

Against the mixed messages and confusing actions of broken people in a broken culture, the message of God’s heart rings clear. Who are you? You’re the one so loved by God that He gave His Son for Your rescue. Consider the price He paid for you and the wonderful reality that, to Him, you were always worth it.

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How have you been defining your worth? What false messages might you need to discard or reject in exchange for comprehending the value that God places on you?

Father, I can never understand why You would love me so much or give Your Son for my forgiveness. Your love is unsearchable and Your grace is amazing. Thank You for making me Your child!

惟有基督在我们还作罪人的时候为我们死，上帝的爱就在此向我们显明了。—罗马书5章8节

美国牧师提摩太 ‧ 凯勒（Tim Keller）说：“任何人都无法仅靠言语来知道他人如何看待自己，他们必须看到对方的行动。”就某种意义来说，这就是“行动比言语更有说服力”。配偶以倾听和爱告诉伴侣，他们是被赞赏的；父母以慈爱和关心告诉孩子，他们是被珍视的；教练以积极的培训来告诉运动员，他们是有潜力的。类似的例子不胜枚举。同样的道理，相反的行动会传达负面的讯息，使对方受到伤害。

在世界上所有以行动传递的讯息中，有一则是最重要的。我们若想知道上帝如何看待我们，只需看祂在十字架上的行动。在罗马书5章8节，保罗写道：“惟有基督在我们还作罪人的时候为我们死，上帝的爱就在此向我们显明了。”十字架显明我们在上帝眼中是何等宝贵：祂爱我们，甚至将祂的独生子赐给我们（约翰福音3章16节）。

在败坏的文化中，败坏的人会表现出令人困惑的行为，发出混淆视听的讯息，但上帝爱的行动所传达的讯息却清晰无比。你是谁？你是上帝所爱的人，祂为了要拯救你，甚至将祂的独生子赐给你。想想祂为你付上的代价，以及这美好的事实：对祂而言，你永远值得祂付出。

你如何定义自己的价值？为了理解上帝赋予你的价值，
你应该要丢弃或拒绝哪些假讯息呢？

天父，我永远无法理解为何祢会如此爱我，
为何会为了赦免我的罪而赐下祢的独生子。
祢的爱过于人所能测度，祢的恩典实在奇妙。
谢谢祢让我成为祢的孩子！