二戰結束後，歐洲有許多人因戰爭而流離失所，美國因此成立了「美國援助歐洲合作組織」（英文簡稱CARE）。他們收購美軍剩餘的軍需物資，然後分裝成小包裹寄往歐洲。人們沿用這組織的英文簡稱，將這些包裹稱為「關懷包裹」。如今，我的孩子在外地上大學，我也會寄「關懷包裹」給他們，通常是自製的餅乾和糖果，但也包括一些實用的物品，例如，他們忘了帶去學校的心愛T恤和一些文具用品。

雖然「關懷包裹」是現代用語，但寄送實用的物品卻早已行之有年。就像保羅被關在羅馬監獄期間，寫信給摯愛的門徒提摩太，並在書信結尾囑咐提摩太，帶馬可來幫助他（提摩太後書4章11節），也要把他的外衣和「書卷，特別是那些羊皮卷」帶給他（13節，新譯本）。保羅需要外衣也許是因冬天將至；保羅要那些書卷，也許是因其中有舊約抄本。不管出於什麼原因，保羅渴望有人陪伴，也需要一些實用的物品能讓他得到幫助和鼓勵。

那些需要得到鼓勵的人，無論是遠在他鄉還是近在咫尺，都能因你我實際的關懷行動，受到極大的鼓舞。提供餐食給鄰居，寫關懷的卡片給家人或朋友，或是表達關心寄包裹給遠方的朋友，這些實際的行動都能將上帝的愛傳出去。

I recently learned that the name “CARE” package came from the acronym for “Cooperative for American Remittances to Europe,” a group that sent boxes of food to help Europeans displaced during World War II. While the care packages I send my kids at college are mostly filled with homemade treats and candy, they usually include a few practical items—a favorite shirt forgotten at home or extra school supplies.

While the name “care package” may be modern, the practice of sending helpful items is far older. It’s even tucked away at the end of 2 Timothy. Writing while imprisoned in Rome, Paul concluded his letter to his trusted disciple with some personal requests. He asked that Timothy come and bring Mark to help him (4:11). Then he requested some personal items: his cloak and his “scrolls, especially the parchments” (v. 13). Perhaps the cloak was needed because winter was coming, and maybe the scrolls contained copies of the Old Testament. Whatever the reason, Paul longed for companionship and practical items to refresh and encourage him.

Tangible reminders of care, whether the recipient lives near or far, can have a significant impact on someone in need of a little encouragement. The gift of a meal for a neighbor, a thoughtful card written to a loved one or acquaintance, or a package full of goodies sent to a faraway friend can extend God’s love in practical ways.