Home昔日真理報2020年 真理報文章2020 年 3 月【事事關心】謠言與肺炎病毒

【事事關心】謠言與肺炎病毒

 

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 新冠肺炎疫情籠罩下的本地華人商場格外冷清

 

最近一個月,因為新型肺炎病毒禍及全球,引致關於病毒擴散的謠言滿天飛。當中受害的,包括大溫哥華地區一間酒家,被人大量在手機的社交媒體上廣傳(筆者也親手收到),告知它因為疫情的影響而結業。幸而,主流和中文的傳媒都給予援手,為該酒家當天闢謠,盡了他們的職責,盼望這樣闢謠能夠有所補救吧!

其實在過往一個月,整個加拿大都有不少人曾經辯論:究竟疫情在加國有多嚴重?我們在公眾地方是否應該帶口罩?不過,我在這次專欄想談論的核心問題是:如何在心態上面對肺炎疫情,以及在實際上如何處理種種的相關資訊?

我寫這篇文章的時候,正在準備去台灣三個星期的旅程,所以當你讀這篇專欄時,我本人已經身在台灣作一些教會事工。早前三個星期,我和妻子多次為這次旅程祈禱,藉此聆聽上帝的聲音。感謝主,我倆都得到平安的應許,讓我們期望自己的信心能夠鼓勵和教導當地基督徒面對現今的疫情。於此,我也希望如下的分享能夠激勵讀者們,並且使讀者能經歷內心的平安。

談到疫情,我們不能不思想 16 世紀開始的改革宗神學所高舉的上帝權柄,正如舊約(民數記、撒母耳記、詩篇)記載:疫情可以是上帝允许的,如果病毒蔓延不止,基督徒相信上帝有更高更美善的心意,不會因此埋怨上帝「袖手旁觀」而離開祂。疫情的正面作用是讓信徒能夠因為真心信靠神的權柄而安心,好像使徒保羅在《腓立比書4:6-7》指出的「出人意外的平安」,這是因為信徒懂得上帝透過聖經《诗篇90:12》揭示個人壽命的奧秘:「求你指教我們怎樣數算自己的日子,好叫我們得着智慧的心。」

疫情使我們反省、檢討自己過去的人生歷程,重新肯定繼續活下去的人生方向,而不是只祈求過以往那種正常生活。撒旦很希望人們被恐懼所捆綁而失去了仁愛、喜樂、和平,但上帝的心意是叫疫情使人們回歸祂的路途而看到永生,上帝的心腸與撒旦的是截然不同的。

我祈求這次疫情使中國人明白、實際領略基督的真和愛,無論是對信了主或者還未信的人而言。

論到實際上處理關於肺炎病毒的種種資訊,有三方面值得讀者大家思量。

第一,我深信上帝的心意是帶人們脱離、厭棄世俗的虛假,叫人們追求和重視真相,以致不惜一切努力,去了解病毒的起源和整個疫情爆發的來龍去脈。不是由於要「秋後算賬」而懲罰一切須要負責任的人事,乃是藉此避免和控制將來再會發生同樣疫情的可能性——求真是任何事上應該抱著的負責任態度。

第二,疫情迫使我們在實際生活,特別在飲食喜好上遵行神的教導。例如聖經《利未記》第十一章很清楚警告我們不要隨便吃某些生物,無論是陸上動物、水裡生物、空中飛鳥。吃者不單是「自討苦吃」,更可能禍及無數的其他人。這次疫情的起因,雖然還沒有鐵證如山地證明起於吃了野味(蝙蝠)而是據稱武漢 P4 病毒研究實驗室的意外,恐怕這疫情的真相甚至幾年內也難確實,但 2003 年香港的 SARS「非典型肺炎」疫情,很多人得到的訊息使他們相信病源是由吃野味引起。而且,很多人曾經因吃過奇怪的野味而生病,導致感染其他人也同樣生病,這是不爭的事實。那些沉迷於追求新口味享受的人,值得檢討自己這種「特殊嗜好」,不應該再累己累人,為人類的幸福著想吧!

正如聖經多處警告,人們很容易追求某些慾望。所以,上帝借用疫情來破壞罪的慾望:驕傲、貪婪;內心的、眼目的、口舌的慾望。在上帝眼中,這些都是罪。

第三,疫情可以成為榮耀基督的見證機會,因為基督徒無論身在任何處境都可以傳揚和彰顯神的美意。筆者最近在社交媒體上看到在中國大陸,有些基督徒在街頭上與一些陌生人談話,兩方面都戴著口罩來談論關於信耶穌的事,特別有意思。盼望這次街頭經歷,令這些被傳揚福音的聽眾心裡建立了信仰里程碑,是明白聖經所講之永生的起點吧。

惟願這次 COVID-19 肺炎疫情也成為全球華人基督徒見證神榮耀的好機會。大家在這議題上請多祈禱,求神彰顯祂的榮耀,好讓基督徒不是與其他人一樣,只困於恐慌中。

 

      聖經金句 (Bible Verses)

喜樂 Joy

喜樂的心乃是良藥;憂傷的靈使骨枯乾。箴言 17:22
A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. Proverbs 17:22

然而,我要因耶和華歡欣,因救我的 神喜樂。哈巴谷書 3:18
yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior. Habakkuk 3:18

要常常喜樂,不住的禱告,凡事謝恩。帖撒羅尼迦前書 5:16-17
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-17

饒恕 Forgiveness

主啊,你本為良善,樂意饒恕人,有豐盛的慈愛賜給凡求告你的人。詩篇 86:5
You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you. Psalm 86:5

你不要說:“我要以惡報惡”;要等候耶和華,他必拯救你。箴言 20:22
Do not say, “I’ll pay you back for this wrong!” Wait for the LORD, and he will avenge you. Proverbs 6:14

你們饒恕人的過犯,你們的天父也必饒恕你們的過犯;馬太福音 6:14
For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. Matthew 6:14

你們不饒恕人的過犯,你們的天父也必不饒恕你們的過犯。馬太福音 6:15
But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. Matthew 6:15

你們各人若不從心裡饒恕你的弟兄,我天父也要這樣待你們了。馬太福音 18:35
This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart. Matthew 18:35

謙卑 Humility

敬畏耶和華是智慧的訓誨;尊榮以前,必有謙卑。箴言 15:33
Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the LORD, and humility comes before honor. Proverbs 15:33

敬畏耶和華心存謙卑,就得富有、尊榮、生命為賞賜。箴言 22:4
Humility is the fear of the LORD; its wages are riches and honor and life. Proverbs 22:4

凡事不可結黨,不可貪圖虛浮的榮耀;只要存心謙卑,各人看別人比自己強。腓立比書 2:3
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves. Philippians 2:3

但他賜更多的恩典,所以經上說:神阻擋驕傲的人,賜恩給謙卑的人。雅各書 4:6
But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says:“God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” James 4:6

驕傲 Pride

驕傲來,羞恥也來;謙遜人卻有智慧。箴言 11:2
When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. Proverbs 11:2

驕傲只啟爭競;聽勸言的,卻有智慧。箴言 13:10
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves. Proverbs 13:10

驕傲在敗壞以先;狂心在跌倒之前。箴言 16:18
Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. Proverbs 16:18

但他賜更多的恩典,所以經上說:神阻擋驕傲的人,賜恩給謙卑的人。雅各書 4:6
But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says:“God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” James 4:6

忍耐 Patience

愚妄人怒氣全發;智慧人忍氣含怒。箴言 29:11
Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end. Proverbs 29:11

並且你們要為我的名,被眾人恨惡,惟有忍耐到底的,必然得救。馬可福音 13:13
Everyone will hate you because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. Mark 13:13

不但如此,就是在患難中也是歡歡喜喜的。因為知道患難生忍耐。羅馬書 5:3
Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance. Romans 5:3

我們行善,不可喪志;若不灰心,到了時候就要收成加拉太書 6:9
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9

你們也當忍耐,堅固你們的心,因為主來的日子近了。雅各書 5:8
You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. James 5:8

溫柔 Meekness

回答柔和,使怒消退;言語暴戾,觸動怒氣。箴言 15:1
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1

溫柔的人有福了,因為他們必承受地土。馬太福音 5:5
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Matthew 5:5

用溫柔勸戒那抵擋的人;或者 神給他們悔改的心,可以明白真道。提摩太後書 2:25
Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth. 2 Timothy 2:25

只要以裡面存著長久溫柔、安靜的心為妝飾;這在 神面前是極寶貴的。彼得前書 3:4
Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight. 1 Peter 3:4

嫉妒 Envy

不要為作惡的心懷不平,也不要向那行不義的生出嫉妒。詩篇 37:1
Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong. Psalm 37:1

心中安靜是肉體的生命;嫉妒是骨中的朽爛。箴言 14:30
A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones. Proverbs 14:30

在何處有嫉妒、紛爭,就在何處有擾亂和各樣的壞事。雅各書 3:16
For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. James 3:16

生氣 Anger

當止住怒氣,離棄忿怒;不要心懷不平,以致作惡。詩篇 37:8
Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil. Psalm 37:8

好生氣的人,不可與他結交;暴怒的人,不可與他來往。箴言 22:24
Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered. Proverbs 22:24

愚妄人怒氣全發;智慧人忍氣含怒。箴言 29:11
Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end. Proverbs 29:11

生氣卻不要犯罪.不可含怒到日落。以弗所書 4:26
In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry. Ephesians 4:26

我親愛的弟兄們,這是你們所知道的,但你們各人要快快的聽,慢慢的說,慢慢的動怒,因為人的怒氣並不成就 神的義。雅各書 1:19,20
My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. James 1:19,20

災難 Calamity

謹守口與舌的、就保守自己免受災難。箴言 21:23
Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity. Proverbs 21:23

民要攻打民、國要攻打國、多處必有地震、饑荒.這都是災難的起頭。馬可福音 13:8
Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places, and famines. These are the beginning of birth pains. Mark 13:8

憂愁 Worry

你們不要憂愁、因靠耶和華而得的喜樂是你們的力量。尼希米記 8:10
Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength. Nehemiah 8:10

主雖使人憂愁, 還要照他諸般的慈愛發憐憫。耶利米哀歌 3:32
Though he brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love. Lamentations 3:32

凡勞苦擔重擔的人,可以到我這裡來,我就使你們得安息。馬太福音 11:28
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28

我留下平安給你們、我將我的平安賜給你們.我所賜的、不像世人所賜的.你們心裏不要憂愁、也不要膽怯。約翰福音 14:27
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27

應當一無掛慮,只要凡事藉著禱告、祈求和感謝,將你們所要的告訴神。神所賜出人意外的平安,必在基督耶穌裡,保守你們的心懷意念。腓立比書 4:6,7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6,7

因此, 你們是大有喜樂, 但如今, 在百般的試煉中暫時憂愁。彼得前書 1:6
In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 1 Peter 1:6

患難 Trouble, Suffering

義人多有苦難,但耶和華救他脫離這一切。詩篇 34:19
The righteous person may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all. Psalm 34:19

神是我們的避難所,是我們的力量,是我們在患難中隨時的幫助!詩篇 46:1
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1

耶和華本為善,在患難的日子為人的保障,並且認得那些投靠他的人。那鴻書 1:7
The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him. Nahum 1:7

為義受逼迫的人有福了,因為天國是他們的。馬太福音 5:10
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:10

不但如此,就是在患難中,也是歡歡喜喜的。因為知道患難生忍耐。羅馬書 5:3
Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; Romans 5:3

我想現在的苦楚,若比將來要顯於我們的榮耀,就不足介意了。羅馬書 8:18
I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. Romans 8:18

因為你們蒙恩,不但得以信服基督,並要為他受苦。腓立比書 1:29
For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him. Philippians 1:29

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