第34章 慷慨受称赞
§1
第34章 慷慨受称赞
§2
Chap. 34 - Liberality Commended
§3
使徒保罗在各教会传道的时候，不断地设法激励新的信徒去为上帝的圣工行大事。他时常鼓励他们要操练慷慨的精神。他对以弗所的长老提起他先前在他们中间的工作说：“我凡事给你们作榜样，叫你们知道：应当这样劳苦，扶助软弱的人，又当纪念主耶稣的话说，施比受更有福”（徒20:35）。{CS 171.1}[1]
§4
The apostle Paul, in his ministry among the churches, was untiring in his efforts to inspire in the hearts of the new converts a desire to do large things for the cause of God. Often he exhorted them to the exercise of liberality. In speaking to the elders of Ephesus of his former labors among them, he said, I have showed you all things, how that so laboring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how He said, It is more blessed to give than to receive. Acts 20:35. {CS 171.1}[1]
§5
保罗写信给哥林多的信徒说：“少种的少收，多种的多收，这话是真的。各人要随本心所酌定的，不要作难，不要勉强；因为捐得乐意的人，是上帝所喜爱的”（林后9:6-7）。{CS 171.2}[2]
§6
He which soweth sparingly, he wrote to the Corinthians, shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:6, 7. {CS 171.2}[2]
§7
马其顿的信徒在物质方面差不多都是贫穷的，但他们却洋溢着对于上帝和祂真理的爱，所以他们乐意捐输维持圣工。当各外邦教会普遍筹款来周济犹太信徒时，保罗曾提出马其顿信徒的慷慨精神为其他各教会的榜样。他在写信给哥林多教会时，曾叫他们注意“上帝赐给马其顿众教会的恩，……就是他们在患难中受大试炼的时候，仍有满足的快乐；在极穷之间，还格外显出他们乐捐的厚恩。……他们是按着力量，而且也过了力量，自己甘心乐意地捐助，再三地求我们，准他们在这供给圣徒的恩情上有份”（林后8:1-4）。{CS 171.3}[3]
§8
Nearly all the Macedonian believers were poor in this worlds goods, but their hearts were overflowing with love for God and His truth, and they gladly gave for the support of the gospel. When general collections were taken up in the Gentile churches for the relief of the Jewish believers, the liberality of the converts in Macedonia was held up as an example to other churches. Writing to the Corinthian believers, the apostle called their attention to the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia; how that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality. For to their power, . . . yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves; praying us with much entreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. 2 Corinthians 8:1-4. {CS 171.3}[3]
§9
马其顿信徒之所以乐意牺牲，乃是全心献身的结果。他们受了上帝圣灵的感动，“先把自己献给主”（林后8:5），然后他们便乐意慷慨地拿出自己的金钱来维持圣工。那时根本不需要督促他们奉献，他们却因有特权可以牺牲自己一切必需的东西来帮助别人而欢喜。当保罗想要劝阻他们的时候，他们却恳求他接受他们的奉献。他们出于纯朴和正直的动机和热爱弟兄的心，欢欢喜喜地克己牺牲，这样就结出慷慨的丰盛果子。{CS 172.1}[4]
§10
The willingness to sacrifice on the part of the Macedonian believers came as a result of wholehearted consecration. Moved by the Spirit of God, they first gave their own selves to the Lord (2 Corinthians 8:5); then they were willing to give freely of their means for the support of the gospel. It was not necessary to urge them to give; rather, they rejoiced in the privilege of denying themselves even of necessary things in order to supply the needs of others. When the apostle would have restrained them, they importuned him to accept their offering. In their simplicity and integrity, and in their love for the brethren, they gladly denied self, and thus abounded in the fruit of benevolence. {CS 172.1}[4]
§11
当保罗差派提多到哥林多去坚固那里信徒时，他吩咐提多帮助那地的教会培养施舍的美德；同时在写给他们的信中，他还加上亲笔的恳劝说：“你们既然在信心、口才、知识、热心和待我们的爱心上，都格外显出满足来，就当在这慈惠的事上，也格外显出满足来。”“如今就当办成这事。既有愿作的心，也当照你们所有的去办成，因为人若有愿作的心，必蒙悦纳，乃是照他所有的，并不是照他所无的。”“上帝能将各样的恩惠多多地加给你们，使你们凡事常常充足，能多行各样善事；……叫你们凡事富足，可以多多施舍，就借着我们使感谢归于上帝”（林后8:7，11-12；9:8-11）。{CS 172.2}[5]
§12
When Paul sent Titus to Corinth to strengthen the believers there, he instructed him to build up that church in the grace of giving; and in a personal letter to the believers he also added his own appeal. As ye abound in everything, he pleaded, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also. Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have. For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: . . . being enriched in everything to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God. 2 Corinthians 8:7, 11, 12; 9:8-11. {CS 172.2}[5]
§13
无私的慷慨使早期的教会大为喜乐，因为信徒们知道他们的努力，正在帮助将福音的信息送给那些处在黑暗之中的人。他们的慷慨说明他们没有徒受上帝的恩典（林后6:1）。除了圣灵使人成圣的能力之外，还有什么足以产生这种慷慨的精神呢？无论在信徒或非信徒看来，这都是恩典的奇迹。（《使徒行述》342-344页）{CS 172.3}[6]
§14
Unselfish liberality threw the early church into a transport of joy; for the believers knew that their efforts were helping to send the gospel message to those in darkness. Their benevolence testified that they had not received the grace of God in vain. What could produce such liberality but the sanctification of the Spirit? In the eyes of believers and unbelievers it was a miracle of grace.--AA 342-344. {CS 172.3}[6]
§15
【慷慨得报赏】
§16
“以利亚就起身往撒勒法去。到了城门，见有一个寡妇在那里捡柴；以利亚呼叫她说：求你用器皿取点水来给我喝。她去取水的时候，以利亚又呼叫她，说：也求你拿点饼来给我。” {CS 173.1}[7]
§17
【Liberality Rewarded】
§18
So he [Elijah] arose and went to Zarephath. And when he came to the gate of the city, behold, the widow woman was there gathering of sticks: and he called to her, and said, Fetch me, I pray thee, a little water in a vessel, that I may drink. And as she was going to fetch it, he called to her, and said, Bring me, I pray thee, a morsel of bread in thine hand. {CS 173.1}[7]
§19
当时大饥荒灾情严重，这个穷苦的家庭深受影响；而且他们仅存的一点粮食显然即将告罄。现在正当这寡妇以为她必须在求生存的挣扎中放弃一切希望的最后一天，以利亚的到来使她仰赖永生上帝供给她需要的信心受到一次严重的考验。但她在最缺乏的时候，这位陌生人竟要求她拿出最后一点食物来分给他吃。她就答应了他的要求，藉此表现了自己的信心。{CS 173.2}[8]
§20
In this poverty-stricken home the famine pressed sore; and the pitifully meager fare seemed about to fail. The coming of Elijah on the very day when the widow feared that she must give up the struggle to sustain life, tested to the utmost her faith in the power of the living God to provide for her necessities. But even in her dire extremity, she bore witness to her faith by a compliance with the request of the stranger who was asking her to share her last morsel with him. {CS 173.2}[8]
§21
寡妇回答以利亚说：“我指着永生耶和华你的上帝起誓，我没有饼，坛内只有一把面，瓶里只有一点油；我现在找两根柴，回家要为我和我儿子作饼，我们吃了，死就死吧。”以利亚对她说：“不要惧怕，可以照你所说的去作吧，只要先为我作一个小饼，拿来给我，然后为你和你的儿子作饼。因为耶和华以色列的上帝如此说：坛内的面必不减少，瓶里的油必不缺短，直到耶和华使雨降在地上的日子”（王上17:12-14）。{CS 173.3}[9]
§22
In response to Elijahs request for food and drink, the widow said, As the Lord thy God liveth, I have not a cake, but a handful of meal in a barrel, and a little oil in a cruse: and, behold, I am gathering two sticks, that I may go in and dress it for me and my son, that we may eat it, and die. Elijah said to her: Fear not; go and do as thou hast said: but make me thereof a little cake first, and bring it unto me, and after make for thee and for thy son. For thus saith the Lord God of Israel, The barrel of meal shall not waste, neither shall the cruse of oil fail, until the day that the Lord sendeth rain upon the earth. {CS 173.3}[9]
§23
信心的考验没有比这更大的了。这寡妇向来是以仁爱和慷慨款待客人的。现在她也就不考虑自己和孩子所可能遭受的痛苦，只是信赖以色列的上帝一定会供给她一切的需要，于是她便在这次信心的最大考验下 ，“照以利亚的话去行”（王上17:15）。{CS 173.4}[10]
§24
No greater test of faith than this could have been required. The widow had hitherto treated all strangers with kindness and liberality. Now, regardless of the suffering that might result to herself and child, and trusting in the God of Israel to supply her every need, she met this supreme test of hospitality by doing according to the saying of Elijah. {CS 173.4}[10]
§25
这个腓尼基妇人向上帝的先知所表示的款待是奇妙的，结果她的信心与慷慨也得到奇妙的报赏。“她和她家中的人，并以利亚，吃了许多日子。坛内的面果不减少，瓶里的油也不缺短，正如耶和华藉以利亚所说的话。”……{CS 174.1}[11]
§26
Wonderful was the hospitality shown to Gods prophet by this Phoenician woman, and wonderfully were her faith and generosity rewarded. She, and he, and her house, did eat many days. And the barrel of meal wasted not, neither did the cruse of oil fail, according to the word of the Lord, which He spake by Elijah.. . . {CS 174.1}[11]
§27
撒勒法的寡妇把她仅存的一点粮食分给以利亚；结果她自己和她儿子的性命都蒙保全了。照样，上帝也应许要多多赐福给一切在考验与缺乏的时候，还能同情并帮助那些需要更大者的人。上帝今日的能力并不比以利亚的日子小。（《先知与君王》129-132页）{CS 174.2}[12]
§28
The widow of Zarephath shared her morsel with Elijah; and in return, her life and that of her son were preserved. And to all who, in time of trial and want, give sympathy and assistance to others more needy, God has promised great blessing. He has not changed. His power is no less now than in the days of Elijah.--PK 129-132. {CS 174.2}[12]
§29
【寡妇的两个小钱】
§30
耶稣坐在设奉献箱的院子里，看着众人怎样投钱入库。有许多财主带着夸耀的态度往里投了大宗的钱币。耶稣忧愁地看着他们，对于他们大量的捐献并没有发表什么意见。一会儿，祂看见一个穷寡妇迟疑地前来，好像是怕人看见，耶稣的脸上便发出愉快的表情。当那些富足和傲慢的人上来投入他们的捐款时，她便退缩踟躇，不敢进前。然而她渴望为她所爱的圣工尽一点微薄的力量。她看着手中的礼物，与周围那些人的捐款比较起来真算不得什么，但她一切所有的就是这么多。于是她趁着机会，匆匆地投入两个小钱，急忙转身走开。但是这样作的时候，她看见耶稣正定睛望着她呢。{CS 174.3}[13]
§31
【The Widows Two Mites】
§32
Jesus was in the court where were the treasure chests, and He watched those who came to deposit their gifts. Many of the rich brought large sums, which they presented with great ostentation. Jesus looked upon them sadly, but made no comment on their liberal offerings. Presently His countenance lighted as He saw a poor widow approach hesitatingly, as though fearful of being observed. As the rich and haughty swept by, to deposit their offerings, she shrank back as if hardly daring to venture farther. And yet she longed to do something, little though it might be, for the cause she loved. She looked at the gift in her hand. It was very small in comparison with the gifts of those around her, yet it was her all. Watching her opportunity, she hurriedly threw in her two mites, and turned to hasten away. But in doing this she caught the eye of Jesus, which was fastened earnestly upon her. {CS 174.3}[13]
§33
救主叫门徒到跟前来，请他们注意这寡妇的贫穷。于是祂称赞的话就落到寡妇的耳中：“我实在告诉你们，这穷寡妇投入库里的，比众人所投的更多”（可12:43）。当寡妇觉得自己的作为受人同情和赏识的时候，快乐的热泪不禁夺眶而出。许多人劝她把这一点点的钱留为己用，况且这一点钱放在肥头胖耳的祭司手中，又与许多投入银库的大宗捐款混合起来，根本无足轻重。但是耶稣明白她的动机。这妇人相信圣殿的崇拜是上帝所指定的，所以极愿尽她的力量来维持它。她已经尽到她所能的，所以这一件事要世世代代作为她的纪念，并在来生作她永远的喜乐。她的心和她的礼物一起献上了，其价值并不在乎钱的多少，而在乎激励她这种行为的爱上帝并关怀祂圣工的心。{CS 175.1}[14]
§34
The Saviour called His disciples to Him, and bade them mark the widows poverty. Then His words of commendation fell upon her ear: Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all. Tears of joy filled her eyes as she felt that her act was understood and appreciated. Many would have advised her to keep her pittance for her own use; given into the hands of the well-fed priests, it would be lost sight of among the many costly gifts brought to the treasury. But Jesus understood her motive. She believed the service of the temple to be of Gods appointment, and she was anxious to do her utmost to sustain it. She did what she could, and her act was to be a monument to her memory through all time, and her joy in eternity. Her heart went with her gift; its value was estimated, not by the worth of the coin, but by the love to God and the interest in His work that had prompted the deed. {CS 175.1}[14]
§35
耶稣论到这穷寡妇说，她“投入库里的，比众人所投的更多。”财主是拿自己多余的钱财捐上，其中有许多是要人看见，受人尊敬。他们的大宗捐款并没有使他们失去一点的享乐，连他们的奢侈生活也没有受一点影响，根本谈不到牺牲，所以他们捐款的价值决不能与寡妇的小钱同日而语。{CS 175.2}[15]
§36
Jesus said of the poor widow, She hath cast in more than they all. The rich had bestowed from their abundance, many of them to be seen and honored by men. Their large donations had deprived them of no comfort, or even luxury; they had required no sacrifice, and could not be compared in value with the widows mite. {CS 175.2}[15]
§37
【动机高于数量】
§38
我们的动机决定我们行为的本质，说明它是卑鄙的或是高尚的。上帝并不以那些众目所睹，众口所赞的大事为最有价值。人甘心乐意尽到的种种小义务，不令人注意的微小奉献，在人看来或许不算什么，但在上帝的眼中往往是最有价值的。一颗信实仁爱的心，比最贵重的捐献更为上帝所重视。{CS 175.3}[16]
§39
【The Motive Above the Amount】
§40
It is the motive that gives character to our acts, stamping them with ignominy or with high moral worth. Not the great things which every eye sees and every tongue praises does God account most precious. The little duties cheerfully done, the little gifts which make no show, and which to human eyes may appear worthless, often stand highest in His sight. A heart of faith and love is dearer to God than the most costly gift. {CS 175.3}[16]
§41
穷寡妇为要献上那么一点捐款，已经拿出她所有的生活费。为要将那两个小钱献给她所爱的圣工，她竟牺牲了自己的饮食。她凭着信心去作，笃信天父不会忽略她迫切的需要。使她得到救主称赞的，乃是这一种无私的精神和赤诚的信心。{CS 176.1}[17]
§42
The poor widow gave her living to do the little that she did. She deprived herself of food in order to give those two mites to the cause she loved. And she did it in faith, believing that her heavenly Father would not overlook her great need. It was this unselfish spirit and childlike faith that won the Saviours commendation. {CS 176.1}[17]
§43
在穷人之中有许多因领受上帝的恩典和真理，而渴望向祂表示感激。他们极愿与他们更富裕的弟兄们共同维持上帝的圣工。谁都不应该拒绝这样的人。务要让他们把自己的小钱积蓄在天国的银库里。如果他们所奉献的是出于一颗充满爱上帝的心，那么，这区区之数就必成为神圣的奉献和无价的供物，是上帝所喜悦所重看的。（《历代愿望》614-616页）{CS 176.2}[18]
§44
Among the poor there are many who long to show their gratitude to God for His grace and truth. They greatly desire to share with their more prosperous brethren in sustaining His service. These souls should not be repulsed. Let them lay up their mites in the bank of heaven. If given from a heart filled with love for God, these seeming trifles become consecrated gifts, priceless offerings, which God smiles upon and blesses.--DA 614-616. {CS 176.2}[18]
§45
【马利亚的奉献蒙悦纳】
§46
使礼物有价值的，乃是出于内心的服务。当天上的大君成为婴孩的样式，被委托给马利亚时。她为这份珍贵的“礼物”没有什么可奉献的，只能按照指定给穷人的，献一对斑鸠在坛上。然而这是上帝所悦纳的祭物。她不象来到伯利恒的东方博士那样将贵重的礼品放在上帝爱子面前，但耶稣的母亲并没有因礼物的微小而被拒绝。上帝所看到的，是她的心甘情愿。她的爱心使她的礼物变得甜美。所以我们的礼物无论多么微小，只要出于爱祂的心，把我们最好的献上，上帝也会悦纳。（《评论与通讯》1890年12月9日）{CS 176.3}[19]
§47
【Marys Acceptable Offering】
§48
It is the heart service that makes the gift valuable. When the Majesty of heaven became a babe, and was entrusted to Mary, she did not have much to offer for the precious gift. She brought to the altar only two turtledoves, the offering appointed for the poor; but they were an acceptable sacrifice to the Lord. She could not present rare treasures such as the wise men of the East came to Bethlehem to lay before the Son of God; yet the mother of Jesus was not rejected because of the smallness of her gift. It was the willingness of her heart that the Lord looked upon, and her love made the offering sweet. So God will accept our gift, however small, if it is the best we have, and is offered from love to Him.--R. & H., Dec. 9, 1890. {CS 176.3}[19]