牧者心聲
上主所愛的，祂都管教

周曉暉牧師
2025 年 4 月 12 日 /13 日

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我們兒時都會被父母、老師管教，會因犯錯而受罰，甚至被責打。希伯來書十二章5-11節中用了八次「管教」這字詞，表達上主會管教祂的兒女：

「因為主所愛的，他都管教，並責罰他所接納的每一個兒子。」為了受管教，你們必須忍耐。神對待你們就像對待兒子一樣。因為哪有兒子是父親不管教的呢？（十二6-7，新漢語譯本）

「責罰」也可直譯為「鞭打」。的確，在管教的過程，上主會「鞭打」。但管教責罰，始終是因為有著真切的關係。

假設你是老師，你見到幾個學生正在校外一個角落吸煙。你身為老師，會去管束他們嗎？你會先看看這些學生穿著哪所學校的校服，若是自己學校的學生，自然會對他們訓導輔談、施以責罰，務求幫助他們改變。若是別人學校的學生，你最多會作出勸喻，但你無權去管教，因為他們並非你的學生，彼此是沒有關係的。

真切關係是先決條件。希伯來書道出一個人人都理解的論點，就是父親必會管教兒子，然後反問：有哪個父親不是這樣的？只要是「真正的兒子」，就會受管教（十二8）。所有真正的「兒子」都要受「父親」的管教，從而使他們由錯誤的行為和思想中醒悟，回轉歸正。

希伯來書勉勵：「我兒，不要輕忽主的管教，被他責備的時候，也不要灰心。」（十二5）這樣的形容更是個很大的安慰。天父管教我們，不是嫌棄我們，反而是出於重視。天父是真切地認定我們與祂的關係。

天父也會透過教會對人作出「管教」。英譯本把這段經文的「管教」譯作 "discipline"（中文即「紀律」之意）。當弟兄姊妹生命出現重大問題，教會需要按照聖經原則進行紀律，教會紀律不是要嚴苛懲處犯過錯的人，而是本於真理，並以愛為出發點，這是執行教會紀律的牧者和領袖務須持定的原則。

有時，弟兄姊妹會逃避或抗拒紀律的措施。有這樣的反應，是能夠理解的。希伯來書也明說：「但凡管教的事，當時不覺得快樂，反覺得愁苦，後來卻為那些經過這種操練的人，結出平安的果子，就是義。」（十二11）

不過，上主所愛的，祂都管教。請不要逃避教會紀律，請選擇接受幫助，好好面對神、面對人。願意順服接受的人，及後會得著平安，這是不少走過紀律過程的弟兄姊妹真實的體會。

Pastor's Sharing

  During our childhood, we were all disciplined by our parents and teachers. We were punished or even physically disciplined when we made mistakes. Hebrews 12:5-11 uses the word "discipline" eight times to say that the LORD does discipline His children:

"…because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son. Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father?" (Hebrews 12:6-7)

The word “chasten” can also be literally translated as "whipped." It is true that in the process of discipline, the LORD may "whip." But His discipline and punishment always arise from a genuine relationship.

  Supposing you are a teacher and you see a group of students smoking in a corner outside the school. As a teacher, would you step in to correct them? You would probably first check the uniform of which school they are wearing. If they are students from your school, you would naturally discipline them, counsel them and punish them in the hope that they will change. If, however, they are students from another school, you can at most offer advice. You have no authority to discipline them. This is because they are not your students, and you have no relationship with each other.

  A genuine relationship is a prerequisite. The Book of Hebrews presents an argument understood by all: A father will certainly discipline his sons. Then the passage asks rhetorically: "Which father does not do this?" All "true sons" are disciplined (12:8). So all legitimate "sons" undergo discipline from their "father." This is to help them wake up from wrong doings and thinking and turn back to the right path.

  Hebrews also encourages us: "My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you" (12:5). Such a description provides great comfort. Our Heavenly Father disciplines us not because He rejects us, but because He treasures us. He genuinely affirms our relationship with Him.

  Our Heavenly Father also "disciplines" us through the church. The English translation of this passage uses the word "discipline" (meaning「紀律」in Chinese). When a brother or sister encounter serious issues in their lives, the church needs to carry out discipline in accordance with biblical principles. Church discipline is not meant to harshly punish those who err. Rather, it is based on truth and administered out of love. This is the principle that every pastor and church leader must firmly uphold when administering church discipline.

  At times, brothers and sisters may run from discipline or resist it. Such reactions are understandable. Hebrews also says: "No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it" (12:11).

  Nevertheless, the LORD disciplines those He loves. So, please do not run from church discipline. Please choose to accept help and genuinely face God and man. Those who would submit and accept will experience peace. Such is the authentic experience of many brothers and sisters who have undergone the disciplinary process.

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