This month, family is the focus of our church.
For many of us, family gatherings often centre around a meal. During festivals such as Lunar New Year or Christmas, or on other special occasions, families come together to celebrate and reconnect. These moments remind us how much we treasure being together as family — whether immediate or extended. As people now live longer than previous generations, a quiet question arises for many families: who will take up the caring role for the seniors in the family?
As a single person, my sense of family also includes the children of my brother. My nephew sometimes jokes that when his parents and I grow old, he will set up a robot for each of us to take care of us. I do not appreciate such impersonal care, but I am warmed by his intention. In his mind, looking after me is part of his family responsibility — and therefore I am part of his family.
Our healthcare and welfare systems support seniors in many practical ways. Yet personal care within families is still deeply needed. A word of encouragement, sitting by the bedside, or helping in small ways can mean a great deal to someone who is in hospital or spends most of their time at home. I have experienced this personally, as my mother has been in hospital since late January. These days have reminded me how much simple presence and care matter to those who are unwell or fragile.
Thank God for the health and time He has given us. Perhaps there are seniors in our own families — or among the older members of our church family — who would appreciate some care and attention.
The Bible reminds us:
“Stand up in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly and revere your God.” (Leviticus 19:32)
In a culture that often values youth, independence, and efficiency, choosing to honour the elderly, care for others, and give our time and attention can feel countercultural. Yet this reflects the heart of God.
This week, we can take a small step — a phone call, a visit, or simply spending some time with someone who may appreciate our presence. In doing so, we continue to live out God’s care within our families and our church family.
...
在這個月，家庭是我們教會關注的一個重點。
對很多人來說，家庭的相聚往往圍繞著一頓飯。無論是農曆新年、聖誕節，或其他特別的日子，家人會聚在一起慶祝、彼此聯繫。這些時刻提醒我們，珍惜能與家人同在的時間——無論是直系家庭，還是大家族。隨著人們比過去幾代人活得更長，一個問題也慢慢浮現：在家庭中，誰會承擔照顧長者的責任？
作為單身的我，我的家庭也包括我哥哥的孩子們。我的外甥有時開玩笑說，當他的父母和我年老時，他會為我們每人安排一個機械人來照顧我們。我不甚欣賞這樣較為「機械化」的照顧，但我卻被他的心意所感動。在他看來，照顧我就是家庭的一部分責任，因此我也是他的家人。
我們的醫療和福利制度在許多實際層面上照顧長者。但家人之間的關懷與照顧仍然十分重要。一句鼓勵的說話、在病床旁陪伴一下，或在日常生活中給予一些幫助，對於住院或大部分時間留在家中的人來說，都可以帶來很大的安慰。我最近也深深體會到這一點，因為自一月底以來，我的母親一直在醫院。這段日子讓我更深體會到，對於身體軟弱或患病的人來說，簡單的陪伴與關懷是很重要的。
感謝神賜給我們健康與時間。也許在我們自己的家庭中，或在教會這個屬靈的家庭裡，也有一些長者正需要多一點關心與陪伴。
聖經提醒我們：「在白髮的人面前，你要站起來；也要尊敬老人，又要敬畏你的神。」（利未記 19:32）
在一個常常重視年輕、獨立和效率的文化中，選擇尊重長者、關懷他人，並願意付出時間與精力，往往顯得與眾不同。然而，這正是反映神心意的生活方式。
這一週，我們可以踏出小小的一步——打一個電話、探望一下，或只是花一點時間陪伴那些可能會珍惜我們同在的人。這樣，我們也在自己的家庭和教會這個屬靈家庭中，活出神的關愛。
