“Learning to Love like Christ” (Day 1)

Verse of the Day

And all of us, with unveiled faces, seeing the glory of the Lord as though reflected in a mirror, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another, for this comes from the Lord, the Spirit. - 2 Corinthians 3:18

My journey of transformation did not happen all at once. It unfolded through moments of joy, sorrow, calling, and surrender.

I was born the youngest of eight children in a devout Christian family. My grandfather died in a tragic accident while installing a bell in our church—a final act of devotion. His life and death taught me that faith is not theory. It is offering oneself fully to God.

Music shaped my early years. Singing drew me close to the Lord. Later, serving as a chaplain assistant in the military in Korea opened my heart to ministry. Through the encouragement of an American chaplain, God led me to the United States for theological study. Then came a devastating car accident in college that nearly took my life. Injured and weak, I sensed clearly: God spared me for a purpose.

There were painful seasons. Conflict in one church deeply wounded my wife, Kum Hwa. Yet she responded with grace, not bitterness. Her quiet strength transformed our suffering into maturity. Years later, when she passed at 58, her favorite hymn, “It Is Well with My Soul,” became my anchor.

The most defining transformation came at age 89, during a massive heart attack. As surgeons prepared for quadruple bypass surgery, I prayed desperately. In the silence, a question came to my heart: “What is a Christian?” I answered with doctrine and ministry achievements. But the Spirit whispered, “A Christian is someone who loves like Christ.”

That voice changed me. I realized being right is not the same as being loving. Since then, my daily prayer has been simple: “Lord, help me not to hurt anyone today.”

Now at 94, I see more clearly—every season was the Holy Spirit’s work. Transformation is lifelong. It is learning, again and again, to love like Jesus. - Rev. Kwan Lee 

Thought for the Day
Where is Christ inviting you to move from being “right” to becoming more "loving" on your journey of transformation this Lent?