First A Disciple, Then A Discipler
BRD REFLECTIONS:
(Alvin Tay, Chairperson, Local Church Executive Committee)
READ:
John 13 (NIV)
OBSERVE:
John 13:34-35 caught my attention: “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
Jesus showed His humility and love for His disciples by washing their feet, setting an example for us to follow. He also showed love to Judas and Peter by washing their feet as well even though He knew the former would betray Him while the latter would disown Him.
And best of all, Jesus loves us so much that He died on the Cross for our sins.
APPLY:
Truth be told, it is hard to love others the way Jesus loves me. I often wonder: “By my words and deeds, do others see Christ in me and know that I am a Christian?” Or, when I tell others I am a Christian, would they remark sarcastically: “You mean you are a Christian?”
My youngest brother lost money in a joint venture because his partner, a Christian, wasn’t honest with him. For years, I tried to share the Gospel with him. But each time he would tell me, “Sorry, brother, I really find it hard to trust Christians again.”
I must work to be a good witness for Christ wherever God places me. The Great Commission calls me to go and make disciples, not just converts. To make disciples, I must first be a good disciple of Jesus in order to reflect His true light. Otherwise I may stumble pre-believers, as was the case with my brother.
Tomorrow, as we celebrate Christmas, I will remember the first Bible verse that I managed to memorise as a small boy from John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
Yes, Love came down to earth on Christmas Day.
DO:
This Christmas, I will go forth to reflect the love of Jesus, to show love to others. I know I am still very much a work in progress. Hence I will seek to be more and more like Christ, day by day.
PRAY:
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your unconditional love for me. Thank You for sending Your beloved son, Jesus, to this world, that I may believe in Him and be forgiven of my sins. May I reflect more of the light of Jesus this Christmas. By my words and deeds, may others know that I am a disciple of Jesus and seek to follow Him. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen!
