Project Gracious

An extract from an article in TODAY by Jill Alphonso

“Her experience had me thinking that grace is really about the generosity of spirit and the understanding that we live in a world that is inclusive of other people, rather than exclusive.

Here’s the thing: If we got that (and I mean really got that beyond a theoretical level) then one would naturally act with grace. Meaning, that we would begin to act as if what we do has an impact on other people – just as what they do has an impact on us.

Now, if we really lived the concept of grace, then Singapore’s plague of dirty toilets would no longer exist. Think about it. We’d all use the space as if it mattered; how we treat that space would matter because it would have an impact on someone else down the line.

It’s the same with road etiquette – if we used the roads with grace, we would give way, use our signals. We would understand that we were sharing a space with people, as opposed to simply using the space as a means to get to a destination.

Taking it even further, there would be no war. Not just because it is simply not right to kill another human being, but because one would understand that peace is a far better thing not only for our fellow men, but also our entire planet. (Sit with that, George W. Bush.)

The question here is, do campaigns work? What they do is ask people to perform, and the rub is that performance, unfortunately, can sometimes smack of farce.

And why not? Start with three acts of grace per week. See where you can help impact another human being, even in the smallest way. Stand aside for someone coming out of a train. Let another car get ahead of you when you’re driving. Take dinner around to your neighbour who’s sick. You may not get thanks right away, but don’t do it for yourself. Do it for the good of building a community. Look, no one’s asking you to be a saint, but think about simply being a better human being to those around you, for no other reason than because you can. “

This article struck a chord in my heart. I have the same sentiment about this.

I see people rushing into the MRT cabin before the passengers can alight, I see people occupying more space than they should on public transport with their barang barang. I see people blocking the way by not moving to the back of the bus. I see people not moving into the center of the MRT cabin. I see people not giving up their seats to the elderly, pregnant and parents with baby etc. I see plates, bowls and dirty table. I see tissue papers thrown into basin and dirty toilet bowls. If we can be responsible for our actions and think for others, we can make Singapore a much better place and redeem our bad name.

I remember during my primary school days, I was taught to return the bowls and plates to the respective bins. But why is it different now? Because we do not know where is the collection point? Or the collection point is too far away? Or we think that we are paying for the food, air-con and service, so the cleaner is suppose to clear and clean the table for us? In Siemens cafeteria, we are to return our tray and stuff to the collection point whether we like it or not. There are cleaners, air con and the food aren’t cheap but yet we are expected to do it. Even with oversea guests, they will follow our example and do likewise.

I guess we can say that we know all about these and recognize that they are good. Some may say that others are also doing it. Some may say that they are already doing all of them. I considered myself among the latter group. =p However, I realize this is not always the case for me. I can recall instances when I am talking to someone and not moving inside to the center of the cabin. I can recall instances when a group of us chatting and blocking the whole pavement. I can recall instances when I will stand beside sarah and not move to the back of the bus.

I know I am not perfect, so rather than just pointing finger at others, I will first change myself and influence my friends to do likewise. As a Christian, I guess the benchmark would be higher since I advocate grace and love. Tough man!!! I really need the Holy Spirit to remind me and give me the strength to continue to do good and be a good witness for Him.

“Do for others what you would like them to do for you...” Mt7:12(NLT)
“Don’t think only about your own affairs, but be interested in others, too, and what they are doing.“ - Phil2:4 (NLT)

Friends, let's show more grace and love in our daily living to make this place a better home.

Brothers and sisters in Christ, let's be a good reflector of God's love and grace through our daily living. We know that all these are not just for the community but all these will be done onto Him.

"Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me... I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of these brothers of mine, you did for me." Mt25:34-36, 40