保羅最關心的，是不要讓任何東西使基督的名蒙羞，或影響教會及他本人的見證。他顯然希望他們之間的誤解可以消除，回復親密的相交關係。他敢說自己是愛他們每一個人的；他在第11節表明，他的心是向他們張開的。他愛他的朋友；但他同時亦愛那些反對他和攻擊他的敵人；他的心是向他們每一個人敞開的，我們何等需要學習保羅的廣闊心胸！

然而，愛與溝通必須是一種相向交流。保羅的困擾，是他們沒有以愛來待他（12、13節）。你若向對方開放，但對方卻毫無反應，便不可能建立相交的關係。人與人能坦誠、開放地溝通，乃是互相信任的標記。有愛，才能互相交流。

甚麼才是真正的相交呢？就是一顆勇於坦露的心，得到別人的真誠回應。大部份教會都需要加強信徒之間的相交關係。我們不應該只是在主日一起坐坐，唱幾首歌，聽聽講道，然後離開。每個角落都有孤單的人，在教會的群體中也不例外。今天就讓我們去主動接觸人吧！也許，你或對方都能因此而得益和蒙神的祝福。

主動接觸人吧--就在今天！

Day 11

RELATIONSHIPS

2 Corinthians 6:3-13

3 We give no offense in anything, that our ministry may not be blamed.

4 But in all things we commend ourselves as ministers of God: in much patience, in tribulations, in needs, in distresses,

5 in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in sleeplessness, in fastings;

6 by purity, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Spirit, by sincere love,

7 by the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,

8 by honor and dishonor, by evil report and good report; as deceivers, and yet true;

9 as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold we live; as chastened, and yet not killed;

10 as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.

11 O Corinthians! We have spoken openly to you, our heart is wide open.

12 You are not restricted by us, but you are restricted by your own affections.

13 Now in return for the same (I speak as to children), you also be open.

Message

A telephone company had an excellent and meaningful theme in their advertising. It was the phrase "Reach out and touch someone". That can be the way to start or develop a meaningful relationship. It can restore a broken relationship. It is something we all ought to do more often.

In our reading today you can see how anxious Paul was to restore relationships with the Corinthian believers. Something had come between them and himself and Paul was reaching out to them again. How many were actually against Paul in the Corinthian church? We do not know, but it doesn't take many to cause disruptions in a church, does it? One or two "stirrers" will do it.

Paul's constant concern was that nothing would reflect on the name of Christ, on the testimony of the church or on his own testimony. It was obvious that he wanted the love of the Corinthian Christians and the fellowship to be restored. He could say he loved them all. Verse 11 says his heart was opened wide to them. He loved his friends. He loved those who were his enemies, those who opposed him, the difficult ones. He included them all. What an example it is for us!

However, love and communication must be a two-way street. Paul's problem was that they were not loving him in return (vv.12-13). Relationships and fellowship cannot be built where there is no response. Free and open communication is the mark of trust. Love communicates.

What is true fellowship? It is one heart openly responding to another heart. One of the greatest needs in most churches is greater emphasis on fellowship. We must do more than just sit, sing, listen and leave. There are lonely people everywhere, including in our church congregations. Why not "reach out and touch someone today"? It could be the beginning of a meaningful and helpful relationship for you both. It could bring great blessing into your life. Why not do it today?

REACH OUT AND TOUCH SOMEONE - TODAY!