【双语灵修】操练节制Practicing Self-Control
“生气却不要犯罪；不可含怒到日落，也不可给魔鬼留地步。” - 弗 4:26-27
莫西族是我居住的布基纳法索最大的民族。他们有严格的节制的观念。他们认为，领袖或任何男人都不应该展露笑颜，而应该始终严肃认真。这种观念世代相传。父亲不会为什么事祝贺自己的儿女。如果父亲为自己的儿女感到骄傲，他必须不露声色，以免孩子放松警惕，过得太安逸。人们认为，对孩子严格要求可以培养他们坚强的品格。
幸运的是，《圣经》在节制方面有更加现实和平衡的教导。它甚至说，愤怒没有问题，但如果你不控制自己的愤怒，最终就会导致犯罪。不加控制的愤怒会带来许多破坏性后果。愤怒不利于我们建立自尊，也会让我们里面的圣灵担忧。此外，愤怒还会伤害他人。大多数暴力行为都始于失控的愤怒。
在这破碎的世界里，人际关系既珍贵又脆弱。然而，愤怒会钻空子，让魔鬼有机可乘。
你是否学会了控制愤怒？宽恕有治愈的能力，且是一种神奇的解药。宽恕能恢复人与人之间的关系，给人们重新开始的机会。神是否呼召你去帮助那些与愤怒抗争的人或愤怒的受害者呢？
祷告
天父，你向我们显明怜悯和恩典，而不是你对我们的怒气。请帮助我们不要在愤怒中犯罪，而是让我们成为你和平的子民。奉耶稣的名，阿们。
以弗所书 4:26-27
26生气却不要犯罪，不可含怒到日落，
27也不可给魔鬼留地步。
Practicing Self-Control
"'In your anger do not sin': Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold." - Ephesians 4:26-27
The Mossi make up the largest people group in Burkina Faso, where I live. They have a strict concept of self-control. They say that a leader—or any real man—should never laugh but always be serious. This notion is passed on through the generations. Fathers do not congratulate their children. If a father is proud of his child, he must hide it so that the child does not relax and take life too easily. It is believed that being strict with children trains them to be strong.
Fortunately the Bible is more realistic and balanced about self-control. It even teaches that it’s okay to be angry—but if you don't control your anger, you will end up sinning. The consequences of uncontrolled anger are many and damaging. Anger is not good for our self-esteem, and it grieves the Holy Spirit within us. In addition, there are often victims. Most violence begins with uncontrolled anger.
In this broken world, relationships are precious and vulnerable. But anger can enter in and give the devil a foothold.
How have you learned to control your anger? The healing power of forgiveness is an amazing antidote. Forgiveness restores relationships and gives them a new chance. How is God calling you to help people who struggle with anger or are victims of it?
Prayer
Father, you have shown us mercy and grace instead of being angry with us. Help us not to sin in our anger; instead, let us be people of your peace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
诵读: 骆云秀
片头: 张妙阳