English
Scripture Summary
2 Timothy 2:22-26 NIV
22 Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 23 Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. 24 And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. 25 Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, 26 and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.
Reflection on the Scripture:
Parents are always careful to help their children choose friends, hoping to protect them from bad influences. We are no exception. Every time we celebrate their birthdays, we purposefully invite certain friends. As the saying goes, “One who stays near vermilion gets stained red; one who stays near ink gets stained black.” The apostle Paul said, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world” (Romans 12:2). The first step is to avoid people whose worldly values and disregard for God might influence you. This is reflected in the Lord’s Prayer, where Jesus teaches us to ask the Father, “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one” (Matthew 6:13). Timothy was Paul’s spiritual son, so Paul, with a father’s love, reminded Timothy to carefully choose his friends. To protect him, Paul urged him to distance himself from those who live only to indulge their fleshly desires. Instead, Timothy was encouraged to build friendships with those who carry the fragrance of Christ. Similarly, we must strive to become friends who positively influence others. Paul specifically taught Timothy to discern friends by their speech. He advised avoiding those who are arrogant, speak baseless words, and enjoy pointless arguments. Paul also warned Timothy not to become such an unedifying person. Instead, he urged him to pursue being someone who teaches, helps, and guides others with the truth and foundation of God’s Word—not in a boastful tone but with gentleness and humility. Sharing the most precious and valuable gospel with friends not only strengthens fellow believers but also leads the lost back home. This is what it means to be a true friend. Believers do not grow up in a "sterile chamber" but live in a world full of viruses to spread antibodies. Jesus Christ said that believers have the same mission in the world as He did, praying, “As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world” (John 17:18). Do we have friends who are sent with us on this mission? Do we have fellow believers who “encourage one another daily”? How do you choose your friends? Do you love your friends? What kind of friend are you to others? Do you share in the mission of the Lord Jesus?
Response through Hymn:
What a friend we have in Jesus
https://youtu.be/8SCorW9r_Is?si=3UVUZ15PvhP98QNU
这一生最美的祝福
最知心的朋友
Prayer of St Francis