(箴言 17:17)
“朋友乃時常親愛．弟兄為患難而生。”
這段經文描述了一種極其緊密的人際關係與情誼。在希伯來文中，時常親愛代表一種持續不斷、不間斷的支持與守望。當你面臨困境時，真正的朋友就如同手足一般，會留在你身邊提供幫助，絕不離棄。
其實，耶穌就是我們最親密的朋友。祂對我們的愛永不改變，始終看顧著我們。最偉大的愛莫過於此：在我們還是罪人的時候，耶穌就為了拯救我們，甘願犧牲自己的生命。既然我們已經領受了這份無私的愛，就應該學習以同樣的態度去對待身邊的人。
作為基督徒，我們應當實踐彼此相愛的命令，主動去守護、支持並關懷身邊的弟兄姊妹，特別是在他們遭遇挑戰與困難的時刻。有時候，有些人會埋怨別人沒有主動關心自己，但我們必須先踏出第一步。當我們主動去愛、去付出時，即便沒有得到對方的回報，上帝也定會看見並給予我們屬天的獎賞。
讓我們一起禱告，感謝主那永恆不變的愛。求主引領我們，讓我們領受這份愛後，也能主動去關懷與守護身邊的人。
(Proverbs 17:17)
“A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.”
This passage describes an extremely close interpersonal relationship and bond. In Hebrew, loving at all times represents a continuous, uninterrupted support and watchfulness. When you face difficulties, a true friend is like a sibling who stays by your side to offer help and never abandons you.
In fact, Jesus is our closest friend. His love for us never changes, and He always watches over us. There is no greater love than this: while we were still sinners, Jesus willingly sacrificed His own life to save us. Since we have received this selfless love, we should learn to treat those around us with the same attitude.
As Christians, we should practice the commandment to love one another by taking the initiative to protect, support, and care for the brothers and sisters around us, especially in times when they encounter challenges and hardships. Sometimes, some people may complain that others have not taken the initiative to care for them, but we must take the first step. When we proactively love and give, even if we do not receive a reciprocal response from the other person, God will surely see and grant us heavenly rewards.
Let us pray together and give thanks for the Lord’s eternal and unchanging love. We ask the Lord to lead us so that, after receiving this love, we may also take the initiative to care for and protect those around us.
