A Better Version of Yourself

Do you seek to be a better person or a better Christian? If you have been in the

faith long enough, you will know that love lies at the very heart of a meaningful

Christian life.

One may strive to be a better leader, preacher, teacher, or disciple — and these

are good and worthwhile aims. You may work hard to organise a successful

church event or to achieve a ministry goal. Such moments can bring fulfilment

and deep satisfaction, a sense of work well done.

Yet, as I look back over my years of ministry — across the many highlights locally,

nationally, and even internationally — I realise how easily such things fade from

memory. I remember the grand Bicentennial Christmas Concert (photo) hosted

at the Cathedral in 2019. PM Lee was there with his wife, together with many

dignitaries. I had assumed I would feel a sense of lasting pride in hosting such a

once-in-a-lifetime event. But before long, Covid-19 brought everything to a

standstill, and life became strangely quiet. I soon felt that events like this had

slipped into the past—simply memories, and surprisingly forgettable. Yes, it was

work that needed to be done, but they add little to my walk with the Lord.

However, acts of love, whether big or small, do add up.

Not long ago, I attended a secondary school reunion and met a classmate who

had survived an aneurysm. I still remember vividly how I visited him almost daily

during his first critical week — when his life hung by a thread. He was

unconscious and had no idea that I was there each day. It was my joy to tell him

that, and I was delighted to see how well he is doing now, living meaningfully

after God gave him a second chance.

As I reflected on this, I asked myself: Why did I remember something so quiet and

seemingly insignificant from so long ago? I believe the Spirit brought it to

remembrance. And yes, acts of love do stick — to us, to those who receive

them, and to the Lord Himself.

This is the first devotion in which I have shared something personal. But I trust it

illustrates well the words of Jesus:

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved

you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my

disciples, if you have love for one another.” — John 13:34–35

Today, ask the Lord to help you love others — not merely with words or good

intentions, but with the same love with which He has loved you.