We’re Never More Like God Than When We Give
我们没有什么时候比起我们给与的时候更像上帝
Jun 14, 2017
“It is a proof of your faith. Many people will praise God because you obey the Good News of Christ — the gospel you say you believe — and because you freely share with them and with all others” (2 Corinthians 9:13 NCV).
“他们从这供给的事上得了凭据，知道你们宣认基督，顺服他的福音，慷慨捐助给他们和众人，把荣耀归给 神。”（林后9：13 和修）
Heart disease is a serious problem in the western world. According to the Center for Disease Control, one in four American deaths are from heart disease.
在西方世界，心里疾病是一个严重的问题。根据疾病中心的数据，有四分之一的美国人因为心里疾病而死。
Yet, the truth is, spiritual heart disease may be far more problematic. The most important antidote for spiritual heart disease is giving. When we give, our hearts grow bigger.
但是，事实是，心灵疾病也许有更大的问题。心灵疾病最大的解药就是给与。当我们给与时，我们的心变得更加强大。
The Bible contains more promises about giving and generosity than any other subject. Why? You’re never more like God than when you give. God gives. It’s what he does. He’s generous. All you have is a gift from God. You wouldn’t take your next breath if God didn’t give it to you.
圣经中有许多关于给与和慷慨的应许，比其他的主题要多。为什么？没有什么时候比起你给与的时候更像上帝。上帝给与。这就是他所做。他很慷慨。你所有的恩赐都是从上帝而来。如果不是上帝给你气息，你甚至无法有下一口气。
Every time you choose to give generously rather than hoarding what you have, you get a bigger — and healthier — heart.
每一次你选择慷慨的给与而不是自己积攒，你的心变得更强大更加健康。
It is not a mistake that the word “miser” and “miserable” come from the same word. There are only two kinds of people in life: takers and givers. Takers are always sad and mad. Givers are glad.
这不是胡编乱造，“吝啬鬼”和“痛苦的”来自同一个词根。只有两种人生，接受者和给与者。接受者总是沮丧和疯狂。给与者是高兴的。
The Bible says in Proverbs 11:25, “A generous person will prosper” (NIV). According to the Bible, the ultimate key to prosperity isn’t your brain, your guile, or even your relationships. The ultimate key to prosperity — the kind of prosperity that honors God — is giving unselfishly to others.
圣经箴言11:25，“慷慨待人，必然丰裕；”（和修）根据圣经，成功最关键的不是在于你的大脑，你的诡计，甚至你的关系。成功最关键的、最荣耀神的成功是无私的给与。
Ultimately, giving is about your past, present, and future relationship with God.
最终，给与是有关你过去、现在和将来与上帝的关系。
Past: You’re grateful for all God has done in your life.
过去：你为上帝在你生命中为你所做的一切感恩。
Present: You keep your current priorities in place. Giving reminds you that God is first in your life.
现在：你保持你当前的优先顺序。给与提醒你上帝在你生命中是首位。
Future: Your giving reminds you that God will take care of your future.
将来：你的给与提醒你上帝会带领你的未来。
Being generous with what you have tells the world who matters most to you.
对自己所有的慷慨，就是你向世界宣告，你最重要的是谁。
The Bible says, “It is a proof of your faith. Many people will praise God because you obey the Good News of Christ — the gospel you say you believe — and because you freely share with them and with all others” (2 Corinthians 9:13 NCV).
圣经说，“他们从这供给的事上得了凭据，知道你们宣认基督，顺服他的福音，慷慨捐助给他们和众人，把荣耀归给 神。”(2 Corinthians 9:13 NCV).
So eat right and exercise. Do whatever it takes to have a healthy heart. But don’t ignore your spiritual heart. The Bible tells us that all we do flows from our heart (Proverbs 4:23).
所以吃的好并且锻炼。做一切有益于你心里健康的事情。但是不要忽视你的心灵。圣经告诉我们，我们一生的果效是由心发出的。（箴言4：23）
Talk It Over
讨论问题
Why do you think giving is so important to your spiritual growth?
你为什么认为给与是对你心灵成长非常重要呢？
What may be keeping you from giving in a consistent way?
有什么方法可以使你始终如一的坚持给与呢？
What hidden beliefs may be keeping you from being more generous?
有哪些隐藏的新年使你坚持更加慷慨呢？
