【双语灵修】神家里的人MEMBERS OF GOD’S HOUSEHOLD

以弗所书 2:19-22

这样，你们不再做外人和客旅，是与圣徒同国，是神家里的人了。并且被建造在使徒和先知的根基上，有基督耶稣自己为房角石，各房靠他联络得合式，渐渐成为主的圣殿，你们也靠他同被建造，成为神藉着圣灵居住的所在。

6月6日

神家里的人

“你们……是与圣徒同国，是神家里的人了。” -弗 2:19

一群四、五个特别的、格格不入的人开始来参加教会聚会。他们是受到执事沃茨的邀请，她在周日早餐时结识他们，然后欢迎他们来她的主日学课堂。

这群人的领袖克利夫顿戴着眼罩，热衷分发社区活动传单。他们住在群体之家及庇护所，但每天都来参加我们的供餐计划。最触动我的是他们彼此扶持的情谊。在芝加哥成为无家可归者是非常危险的事情，而且信任是稀有的。他们大部份是独来独往，时刻保持警惕，但克利夫顿的小组共享资源，互相照应。

有一天，克利夫顿告诉我，组员杰夫决定不再逃避逮捕令。在小组的支持下，杰夫鼓起勇气自首。我们一起祷告，然后陪同杰夫前往警局。那一刻真让人百感交集，也提醒了我们：坚持做正确的事往往最为艰难。

归途中，坐在教会的小型货车上，克利夫顿说：“他独自而来，却带着家人离开。”因着神的灵与恩典，我们这些破碎的边缘人也能成为一家人。

祷告

慈爱的神，感谢你拥抱所有自觉格格不入的人。求你帮助我们在你的社群中找到归属，知道我们是被珍视和接纳的。愿你的爱引领我们，在你里面找到生命的意义。阿们。

Ephesians 2:19-22

FRIDAY, JUNE 6

MEMBERS OF GOD’S HOUSEHOLD

“You are . . . fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household. . . .” — Ephesians 2:19-20

A special group of four or five misfits started coming to church. They were invited by Deacon Watts, who met them at Sunday breakfast and welcomed them into her Sunday school class.

The group’s leader, Clifton, wears an eye patch and is quick to hand out flyers for neighborhood events. They stay in group homes and shelters but come daily for our meal programs. What stands out most is how much they support one another and have each other’s backs. Being homeless in Chicago is dangerous, and trust is rare. Most are loners, constantly on guard, but Clifton and his group share resources and information, looking after one another.

One day Clifton told me that Jeff, a group member, had received a warrant for his arrest and decided to stop running from the law. Talking with the group gave Jeff the strength to face his fear. We prayed together, and we all went with Jeff to the police station so that he could turn himself in. It was bittersweet and a reminder that doing the right thing can often be the hardest.

On the way back, as we rode in the church van, Clifton said, “He came here all alone, and he left with a family.” By God’s Spirit and grace, all of us broken misfits can be transformed into a family.

Loving God, thank you for embracing all who feel like misfits. Help us find belonging in your community, knowing we are cherished and accepted. May your love guide us to discover our purpose in you. Amen.