Dr. Tan Tek Seng

DAILY REFLECTION
22 June 2026

“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.”
‭‭John‬ ‭3‬:‭16‬ ‭

During our Father’s Day celebration at Melaka Glory Community Church yesterday, I shared one of the most precious memories of my life—how my father came to know Jesus Christ.

I will never forget the year my father turned ninety.

One day, he suddenly fell unconscious, and I immediately drove several hours to be by his side. When I arrived, my heart nearly broke. The man who had once been strong and full of life was now reduced to skin and bones.

As I gently cut his hair, shaved his beard, trimmed his nails, and wiped his frail body, tears flowed uncontrollably down my face. Seeing my father lying so helpless before me was almost more than I could bear.

In that moment, I whispered a simple prayer: “Lord, please help my father come to know You.”

Then, to my surprise, he slowly opened his eyes and softly asked, “How long have I been asleep?”

I leaned over, embraced him, and said, “Papa, I love you. Jesus loves you too. Would you like to receive Him?”

By God’s amazing grace, he gently nodded.

At that moment, joy flooded my heart. I knew my father had received far more than another day of life—he had received the gift of eternal life in Christ.

By God’s grace, my father lived until the age of ninety-two.  I know that that one day I will see him again in the presence of the Lord.

John 3:16 beautifully captures the heart of the Gospel: “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.” God’s love is greater than our sin, Christ’s sacrifice is sufficient for our salvation, and eternal life is freely offered to all who place their trust in Him.

This experience taught me a lesson I will never forget: the greatest gift we can give our parents is not merely our care, provision, or devotion, but the opportunity to know Jesus personally. The highest expression of filial love is helping those who gave us life to find eternal life in Christ.

May John 3:16 fill our hearts with courage, compassion, and urgency to share the Gospel with those closest to us while there is still time. For the greatest act of love is to introduce someone to the Savior who can give them everlasting life.

“The highest act of filial piety is to lead our parents to the Savior who gives eternal life.”‬‬