保罗最关心的，是不要让任何东西使基督的名蒙羞，或影响教会及他本人的见证。他显然希望他们之间的误解可以消除，回复亲密的相交关系。他敢说自己是爱他们每一个人的；他在第11节表明，他的心是向他们张开的。他爱他的朋友；但他同时亦爱那些反对他和攻击他的敌人；他的心是向他们每一个人敞开的，我们何等需要学习保罗的广阔心胸！

然而，爱与沟通必须是一种相向交流。保罗的困扰，是他们没有以爱来待他（12、13节）。你若向对方开放，但对方却毫无反应，便不可能建立相交的关系。人与人能坦诚、开放地沟通，乃是互相信任的标记。有爱，才能互相交流。

甚么才是真正的相交呢？就是一颗勇於坦露的心，得到别人的真诚回应。大部份教会都需要加强信徒之间的相交关系。我们不应该只是在主日一起坐坐，唱几首歌，听听讲道，然后离开。每个角落都有孤单的人，在教会的群体中也不例外。今天就让我们去主动接触人吧！也许，你或对方都能因此而得益和蒙神的祝福。

主动接触人吧--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!