聊宽恕

 

基督徒如何宽恕如犹大般的背叛？

基督教教导信徒要像耶稣基督一样宽恕，并教导信徒要为他人的过错而宽恕他人。在圣经中，耶稣告诉门徒要宽恕别人，就像上帝宽恕他们一样。在马太福音18:21-22中，耶稣说：“彼得进前来，问耶稣说：‘主啊，我弟兄得罪我，我当饶恕他几次？到七次可以吗？’ 耶稣说：‘我对你说，不是到七次，而是到七十个七次。’”

当我们经历类似于犹大般的背叛时，宽恕可能是一项非常困难的任务。但是，基督徒应该努力去宽恕并向上帝祷告，寻求祂的帮助。以下是一些可以帮助基督徒宽恕如犹大般的背叛的建议：

基于耶稣的教导和榜样，意识到宽恕是基督徒的责任，并且宽恕不是仅限于我们的个人利益，而是为了让我们与上帝建立更亲密的关系。

找到一个支持你的圣经教会或小组，与你的信仰家人和朋友分享你的经历，他们可以帮助你通过祈祷和神的话语寻求力量和平。

通过祷告和沉思来与上帝联系，向祂寻求力量和智慧，并寻求上帝的帮助来宽恕犯错的人。

学会宽容和接纳自己的情感，以及学会从痛苦中恢复。尽管宽恕是重要的，但这并不意味着必须忘记自己的感受。

接受犯错的人对自己所做的事的责任，并尽可能地与他们建立联系。同时，学会设立边界，以确保自己不再受到伤害。

总之，宽恕是基督徒信仰的核心，并且它不是一件容易的事情。然而，通过祷告、圣经的教导、教会的支持和自我反省，我们可以找到力量和智慧去宽恕并与犯错的人和解。

如果耶稣没有宽恕犹大，可能会给人留下不同的印象，但是耶稣在面对犹大的背叛时，表现出了宽恕和怜悯。在《路加福音》22章中，耶稣在最后的晚餐时就已经预示了自己将被卖，他也明白犹大所做的事情是为了完成神的旨意（约翰福音13:27）。因此，虽然犹大的行为背叛了耶稣，但耶稣仍然选择宽恕他。

耶稣的宽恕教导并不是基于他人的行为，而是基于上帝的爱和恩典。耶稣在十字架上为我们的罪赎了命，这是上帝向我们所赐予的最伟大的恩典。因此，当我们受到他人的伤害时，我们可以像耶稣一样选择宽恕他们，而不是出于对他们的行为的理解和同情，而是基于上帝的爱和赐予我们的恩典。

耶稣所做的并不是要我们模仿他的行为，而是要我们学习他的心态和信仰，像他一样去理解和宽恕他人。基督徒应该通过祈祷、阅读圣经、参与教会等途径，寻求上帝的帮助和力量，去学习如何宽恕和如何与犯错的人和解。

以下是一些圣经中关于宽恕的经文：

马太福音 6:14-15：

因为你们若原谅人的过犯，你们的天父也必原谅你们的过犯；但你们若不原谅人的过犯，你们的天父也必不原谅你们的过犯。

马太福音 18:21-22：

那时，彼得来问耶稣说：“主啊，我弟兄得罪我，我当饶恕他几次？到七次可以吗？”耶稣说：“我对你说，不是到七次，而是到七十个七次。”

马可福音 11:25：

你们站着祷告的时候，若有什么人得罪了你们，就要饶恕他，好叫你们在天上的父也饶恕你们的过犯。

以弗所书 4:31-32：

一切毒气、恼恨、忿怒、嚷闹、毁谤，并一切的恶毒，都当从你们中间除掉。并要以恩慈相待，存怜悯的心，彼此饶恕，正如神在基督里饶恕了你们一样。

歌罗西书 3:13：

你们若有怨恨彼此，总要彼此饶恕。主怎样饶恕了你们，你们也要怎样饶恕人。

这些经文都在强调基督徒宽恕的重要性，以及宽恕是一个互惠的过程，我们应该宽恕他人，就像上帝宽恕我们一样。

Questions that are hard to answer.

"What is the meaning of life?" This is a philosophical question that has puzzled humans for centuries, and it is difficult to provide a single, definitive answer.

"What is the best way to raise a child?" This is a question that involves a lot of subjective opinions and contextual understanding, such as the cultural background, family dynamics, and the specific needs of the child.

"What is the most beautiful piece of music?" Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and what one person finds beautiful may not be the same for someone else.

"What is the funniest joke?" Similar to the previous example, what one person finds funny may not be the same for someone else. Moreover, humor can be very subjective and culturally-dependent.

"What should be done to resolve the conflict between two countries?" This is a complex political question that involves many factors, such as history, geography, culture, and the interests of the involved parties. There may be no easy or straightforward answer to this question.

Can there be light without shadow?

Light and shadow are interrelated concepts that depend on the presence of each other to exist. Shadow is created when an object blocks the path of light, causing darkness or a shaded area to form behind the object. Without light, there can be no shadow, as there would be no source of illumination to create the contrast between light and darkness.

Conversely, light can exist without shadow in certain circumstances, such as in a completely unobstructed space where no objects are present to cast shadows. However, in most environments where objects are present, light and shadow will coexist and depend on each other to be perceptible to the human eye.

Metaphorically, the concepts of light and shadow can also be used to describe the balance between positive and negative aspects of life. Just as light and shadow are necessary for each other's existence, some argue that the existence of both positive and negative experiences is necessary for a person's growth and development.

Can there be good without evil?

This is a topic of philosophical and theological debate. Some people believe that good cannot exist without evil, and that evil is necessary to define and appreciate what is good. Others argue that it is possible for there to be good without evil, and that good can exist independently.

Those who believe that good cannot exist without evil may argue that the existence of evil makes people appreciate the good things in life more. For example, they may argue that without the suffering caused by disease, people would not appreciate good health as much. Similarly, without the experience of poverty, people may not fully appreciate the value of wealth.

On the other hand, those who believe that good can exist without evil may argue that the concept of good is independent of the concept of evil. They may argue that good can exist on its own and does not require evil to define it. They may point to examples of things that are inherently good, such as love, beauty, and joy, which do not necessarily require the existence of evil to be appreciated.

In summary, the question of whether good can exist without evil is a matter of philosophical debate and ultimately depends on one's beliefs and perspective.

Can there be shadow without light?

Technically, a shadow is created when an object blocks the path of light, causing darkness or a shaded area to form behind the object. Without a source of light, such as a lamp, the sun, or another form of illumination, there can be no shadow.

In some cases, a shadow might appear to exist without a source of light, but in reality, there is always some form of light present. For example, in a dimly lit room, objects might appear to cast shadows even if the light source is not immediately apparent. In such cases, there is still some form of illumination present, even if it is not strong enough to be immediately noticeable.

In summary, while the concept of shadow might seem to exist without light, in reality, some form of illumination is always required to create the contrast between light and darkness that is necessary for a shadow to be visible.

The concepts of good and evil are often understood as opposites, and some philosophical and religious traditions suggest that one cannot exist without the other. The argument goes that the existence of evil presupposes the existence of good, because without the standard of goodness, we wouldn't be able to differentiate between good and evil.

However, some philosophers and theologians have also suggested that it is possible for evil to exist without good. For example, the philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche argued that traditional concepts of good and evil were artificial and that morality was merely a tool used by those in power to control others. From this perspective, evil can exist without a corresponding good because there is no objective standard of good or evil, only the power dynamics that define them.

Ultimately, the relationship between good and evil is a complex one that has been debated by thinkers for centuries. Some argue that good and evil are inseparable, while others suggest that they can exist independently of each other.

How much money does someone need to earn in order to be "happy"

The amount of income required for an individual to achieve happiness while residing in the United States varies depending on their location; however, on the whole, it appears to be significantly higher than the average annual income earned by Americans.

Seems in the US, by achieving 88.8% to 111% of annual median income ($67521) are emotionally well, while 140% to 155% are enough for life satisfaction. Do you agree with this in your country? Annual Median Income in Malaysia in 2019 is about RM85116

In 2018, a global study published in 2018 examined the amount of money that appears to bring happiness to individuals, as well as the point at which money ceases to have an effect on their well-being.

Although "happiness" is a subjective concept, the study authors from Purdue University address this issue by evaluating emotional well-being, which pertains to an individual's daily emotions such as happiness, excitement, sadness, or anger. Additionally, they assessed life satisfaction, which refers to an overall evaluation of how well an individual is doing.

According to the study, the optimal income threshold for an individual to achieve life satisfaction on a global scale is $95,000, while the range for emotional well-being falls between $60,000 and $75,000. In North America, the ideal income level for life satisfaction was determined to be $105,000 per year.

In comparison, the average yearly earnings of a full-time wage or salaried worker in the United States is merely $58,260 as per the most recent data shared by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. 

The median household income was $67,521 in 2020, a decrease of 2.9% from 2019, the U.S. Census Bureau reported. 

The minimum salary needed to be ‘happy’ in each US state varies

The minimum annual salary needed to be satisfied or happy in each U.S. state was recently calculated by GoBankingRates.com, a personal finance and education website. 

The website considered the cost-of-living index for each state and made use of the $105,000 amount established by the 2018 Purdue study as the "standard" for computation. It also took into account the unemployment and crime rates for each state.

As per the analysis, the states that required the lowest income to achieve happiness were Mississippi ($87,465), Kansas ($90,825), Oklahoma ($92,295), and Alabama ($92,295).

On the opposite end, individuals in Hawaii need to be earning at least $202,965 to reach a state of bliss, according to the website. In New York, the minimum salary needed to be happy was found to be $155,610, followed by California at $149,310.

The minimum annual salary to be happy in Michigan was found to be $95,865, Texas landed at about $96,705 annually, $99,015 for Illinois, $105,000 in Minnesota, $105,315 annually in Florida, $108,360 to be happy in Arizona, and $117,180 annually in Washington state.

Does happiness increase with income?

Another often-cited Princeton University study published in 2010 found a correlation between income and a person’s emotional well-being and life evaluation — but only to a certain level. The researchers found an increase in happiness alongside annual income up to about $75,000 before it levels off. 

The study authors stated that "having a low income intensifies the emotional distress linked with unfortunate events like divorce, illness, and loneliness," and concluded that while a high income can purchase life satisfaction, it does not necessarily equate to happiness. On the other hand, having a low income is associated with low life evaluation and emotional well-being.

But a larger study published in 2021 found that well-being continues to increase with income, even beyond that $75,000 limit. The research from the University of Pennsylvania used surveys of 33,391 employed U.S. adults and found "no evidence" for an experienced well-being plateau above $75,000 per year. 

"There was also no evidence of an income threshold at which experienced and evaluative well-being diverged, suggesting that higher incomes are associated with both feeling better day-to-day and being more satisfied with life overall," the study concluded. 

Overall, both studies seemed to conclude that income can affect one’s happiness, at least to a point. 

What other factors affect happiness?

While income is one of the factors that can impact happiness, there are several other factors that can affect an individual's happiness as well, including:

1. Social relationships: The quality and strength of one's relationships with friends, family, and community can significantly influence happiness.

2. Health: Good physical and mental health are critical components of overall well-being and happiness.

3. Personality: Some personality traits, such as optimism, resilience, and self-esteem, have been linked to higher levels of happiness.

4. Work-life balance: Finding a balance between work and personal life can be crucial to maintaining happiness.

5. Personal growth: Engaging in activities that promote personal growth, such as learning new skills or pursuing hobbies, can lead to greater life satisfaction and happiness.

6. Meaning and purpose: Having a sense of meaning and purpose in life, such as through work or personal relationships, can contribute to overall happiness.

It is worth noting that the importance and impact of each of these factors can vary for each individual, as happiness is a highly subjective experience.

Although happiness can differ from person to person, previous studies have sought to analyze the factors that can contribute to one’s well-being. Gender, income, married status, education level, job satisfaction, health education, and increased knowledge have all been cited as having a role in human happiness. 

A 2016 study of 500 young people between the ages of 15 and 29 in Iran found a "significant relationship" between the happiness score and location in urban and rural, employment status, and physical activity. However, it didn’t find a "significant link" between gender, marital status nor education level with happiness.

Experts with Harvard University cite other research that suggests happiness and health go hand-in-hand. 

A study conducted by Harvard discovered a significant correlation between happiness and strong relationships with family and friends. Additionally, a study conducted in 2016 demonstrated that volunteering can enhance an individual's sense of purpose and improve their mood, particularly among individuals aged 70 years and above.

A 2017 study suggested that Investing money in purchases that save time, such as hiring a house cleaner to perform undesirable daily tasks, can lead to higher life satisfaction compared to spending money on material possessions.

This story was reported from Cincinnati.