我最近与认识了多年的老朋友相聚。一起用餐时，有些有趣的故事令我们开怀大笑，至于那些不愉快的故事，我们都表示同情。当晚的聚会结束了，在分手之前，我们互相拥抱，为彼此的友情感恩，无论在欢乐或悲伤的时候，我们都一直彼此支持关顾。
我们彼此的关系有一个共通点，就是我们所有的交往都是充满恩典（grace）的。Grace 这个字有几个定义，但在这里，我给它下的定义是：“不基于功劳而得到的尊重和礼待”。换句话说，它牵涉怜悯和仁爱，这些质素比任何其他东西更为重要。
在这里，我必须指出，我们这班朋友当中的交往，尽管充满恩典，但这并不表示我们不会持不同的意见。然而，无论异议怎样具挑战性，都不会影响我们的友谊，因为恩典是大前题。
仁慈的父，借着在耶稣基督里的赦免，祢叫我们的生命充满丰盛的恩典，我们感谢祢。不论是对好朋友或新相识，求祢帮助我们都向他们施展祢的恩典。求祢改变我们，成为每天都以恩典为重的人。奉耶稣之名祈求，阿们。
彼得前书 4:8-11
8最要紧的是彼此切实相爱，因为爱能遮掩许多的罪。
9你们要互相款待，不发怨言。
10各人要照所得的恩赐彼此服侍，做神百般恩赐的好管家。
11若有讲道的，要按着神的圣言讲；若有服侍人的，要按着神所赐的力量服侍，叫神在凡事上因耶稣基督得荣耀——原来荣耀、权能都是他的，直到永永远远！阿们。
"Each of you should . . . serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms." - 1 Peter 4:10
I recently met up with a group of friends I've known for many years. During our meal together we laughed at some funny stories and sympathized with some difficult ones, and at the end of the evening we hugged each other before going our separate ways. We are all grateful for one another, having been there for each other through both joys and sorrows.
A common thread in the fabric of our relationship is that grace abounds in all the interactions we have with one another. The term grace has several definitions, but in this situation I would define it as "a courteous goodwill that is unmerited." In other words, it involves compassion and kindness over anything else.
Now, it should be said that even though grace abounds in our group of friends, that doesn't mean we don't disagree with one another at times. Yet no matter how challenging a disagreement can get, our friendship remains because grace continues to lead the way.
Gracious Father, thank you for the abounding grace you provide in our lives through your forgiveness in Jesus Christ. Help us to extend that grace to others, whether they be close friends or new acquaintances. Transform us into a people who lead with grace each and every day. For Jesus' sake, Amen.
诵读: 楚云
片头: 张妙阳
