牧者心聲

教會今年特別邀請我們實踐「愛在細節」，相信這也是聖靈一個溫暖而深刻的邀請。「愛在細節」強調真正的愛不僅體現在大事上，更流露於日常生活裡微小卻真摯的關懷與行動之中。

我們的三一神也常常在細節中流露著愛。當以利亞被耶洗別追殺、逃命至身心靈疲憊不堪時，天父藉著天使兩次為他預備餅和水，增加他的體力（王上十九 1-8）；為疲倦的人預備飲食便是「愛在細節」。耶穌在世時，祂特別去到撒馬利亞，在井旁等候那打井水的婦人，並主動向她說話，祂沒有拆穿她，但卻提醒她糟糕不堪的私生活，並使她認識祂就是賜人活水的基督（約四 3-26）；主動關懷有需要的人，不直指問題但卻提醒對方注意生活的偏差，並帶他們到主面前，這正是「愛在細節」。撒該也深深體會到耶穌真誠的關懷，他感到驚喜，因為耶穌竟然知道他的名字，並主動提出要去他的家住宿（路十九 1-6）；記得別人的名字，並留心他們的需要，主動邀約相聚，這是「愛在細節」。至於聖靈，在羅馬書八章 26 節中，聖靈親自用說不出的歎息為我們禱告，表達出對我們的關心與愛，祂知道我們的軟弱，但並不控訴我們，而是同情我們，為我們的軟弱禱告；留意脆弱肢體的需要，體諒而不論斷，並為他們禱告，這正是「愛在細節」。

當我們效法神實踐「愛在細節」時，無論接收者或付出者，皆會感受到充溢的喜樂。

有兩位團友關心一位弟兄，他們知道這弟兄在冬天時被子不夠暖，因此睡覺時要穿多些衣服。這兩位團友在與弟兄共進晚餐後，立即前往附近的商場購買了一張被子送給他，弟兄微笑著接受了，並說：「多謝。」每逢天氣轉涼時，這兩位團友想到弟兄有了新被子保暖和睡得更好，便心中感到愉快。

另有一位姊妹的媽媽膝蓋疼痛，但不想使用拐杖走路。這位姊妹尊重媽媽的想法，沒有強求，只是默默地到街市的雜貨店逛逛，看看有沒有雨傘手杖。她逛了好幾家雜貨店，終於找到一根雨傘手杖，便興奮地將它拿給媽媽，看到媽媽臉上綻放的笑容，她心中充滿喜悅。

當我們實踐「愛在細節」時，無論接收者或是付出者都會被喜樂充滿。當然，住在我們心中的聖靈，同樣會感到喜悅，並會繼續感動我們，邀請我們每天展現「愛在細節」的行動。你會如何回應聖靈的邀請呢？

  This year, the church has especially invited us to put into practice “love in the details.” I believe this is also a warm and profound invitation from the Holy Spirit. “Love in the details” emphasizes that genuine love is not only expressed in major events, but is more often revealed through small yet sincere acts of care and concrete actions in our daily lives.

  Our Triune God likewise reveals His love through details. When Elijah was pursued by Jezebel and fled until he was utterly exhausted in body, mind, and spirit, the Heavenly Father sent an angel twice to provide him with bread and water, restoring his strength (1 Kings 19:1–8). Preparing food and drink for the weary—this is “love in the details.” When Jesus was on earth, He intentionally went to Samaria and waited by the well for the woman who came to draw water. He took the initiative to speak with her. He did not expose her publicly, yet He gently addressed her broken personal life and led her to recognize that He is the Christ who gives living water (John 4:3–26). Taking the initiative to care for those in need, not directly pointing out their problems but helping them realize the deviation in their lives, and leading them to the Lord—this is “love in the details.” Zacchaeus also deeply experienced Jesus’ sincere care. He was astonished that Jesus knew his name and even said He must stay at his house (Luke 19:1–6). Remembering a person’s name, paying attention to their needs, and extending a thoughtful invitation to meet—this is “love in the details.” As for the Holy Spirit, Romans 8:26 tells us that the Spirit Himself intercedes for us through wordless groans, expressing His concern and love for us. He knows our weaknesses, yet He does not accuse us. Instead, He empathizes with us and prays for us in our weakness. Noticing the needs of the vulnerable, showing understanding without judging, and praying for them—this too is “love in the details.”

  When we imitate God by practicing “love in the details,” both the receiver and the giver will experience overflowing joy.

  Two fellowship members cared for a brother whom they knew lacked a warm enough blanket during winter and so had to sleep in extra clothing. After having dinner with him, they immediately went to a nearby shopping mall and bought a blanket for him. The brother accepted it with a smile and said, “Thank you.” Whenever the weather turns cooler, these two brothers would feel glad at heart, for they know that the brother now has a new blanket to keep him warm and help him sleep better.

  There was also a sister whose mother suffered from knee pain but did not want to use a walking cane. Respecting her mother’s preference, the sister did not force her, but quietly went to several small shops in the market to see if she could find an umbrella cane. After visiting several stores, she finally found one. Excitedly, she gave it to her mother. When she saw the smile blooming on her mother’s face, her heart was filled with joy.

  When we practice “love in the details,” both the receiver and the giver will be filled with joy. For sure, the Holy Spirit who dwells in our hearts also rejoices, and He will continue to move us and invite us to live out “love in the details” every day. How will you respond to the Holy Spirit’s invitation?