Growing in grace is an important concept for Christians. It refers to the process of becoming more like Christ through the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. As we grow in grace, we become more loving, joyful, peaceful, patient, kind, good, faithful, gentle and self-controlled (Galatians 5:22-23). Here is an in-depth look at what it means to grow in grace.
It is God’s work in us
First and foremost, growing in grace is the work of God in our lives. We cannot achieve it by our own human efforts. The Bible says “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9). Salvation itself is by God’s grace, not our own efforts. In the same way, spiritual growth is through God’s grace.
As we depend on God’s strength and not our own, He transforms us to be more like Jesus. The Apostle Paul said “But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:10). He recognized that any good in him was due to God’s gracious work.
It is a process
Growing in grace is not an instant change. It takes place slowly over time, through the work of the Holy Spirit. The Apostle Peter exhorted believers to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18). This implies ongoing growth, not immediate perfection. Just as we grow physically over time, spiritual growth is gradual.
This growth process will have ups and downs. At times we may feel close to God and aware of His grace. Other times we may struggle in our faith. But over the course of our life, we can look back and see how we have grown through both the mountaintop experiences and the valleys. Grace helps us in our weaknesses (2 Corinthians 12:9), so we learn to rely more fully on God.
It involves applying God’s grace
To grow in grace, we need to continually apply the grace God has shown us to how we live our lives. One aspect of this is extending grace to others, just as God has had grace on us. The Bible tells us “be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32). As recipients of grace, we pass that grace along.
Growing in grace also means depending on God’s grace to help us obey Him. God’s commands can seem difficult to follow in our own strength. But when we rely on divine grace, God gives us the power to “walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called” (Ephesians 4:1). His grace enables us to live godly lives.
It requires spiritual disciplines
While growth in grace is God’s work, we have a role to play as well. We cooperate with God’s transforming work through spiritual practices and habits. “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind,” Paul wrote in Romans 12:2. This renewal happens as we engage in spiritual disciplines.
Reading Scripture, prayer, fellowship, worship, serving, and sharing our faith are habits that open us up to God’s grace and help us grow. They align our thoughts and desires more closely with God’s. By making these disciplines part of our daily life, we position ourselves to keep maturing in grace.
It leads to Christlike virtue
The ultimate result of growing in grace is developing the character of Jesus. As we allow God’s grace to work in us, the Holy Spirit produces virtue in our lives. “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Galatians 5:22). These Christlike virtues are evidence of spiritual growth.
By regularly receiving God’s grace through spiritual habits, our thoughts, words and actions become more like Jesus. Behavior that used to characterize us begins to fade away. Growth in grace forms Christ within us, until we can say with Paul, “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me” (Galatians 2:20). The outcome is complete transformation into the image of God’s Son (Romans 8:29).
It prepares us for eternity
One day, God’s work of grace in our lives will be complete. “He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6). Until then, we have the privilege of continuing to grow. The trials of this life are temporary, but growth in grace has eternal impact.
As we grow to be more like Christ, we develop character that will endure forever. The biblical virtues we cultivate will be part of our nature in heaven. While spiritual gifts like prophecy and knowledge will pass away, faith, hope and love last forever (1 Corinthians 13:13). When our earthly life ends, growth in grace continues for eternity as we come to know God in our perfected state.
It brings glory to God
Most importantly, growing in grace glorifies God. As He transforms us from the inside out, His power and love are displayed. Changed lives give evidence of His amazing grace. The Apostle Peter told believers, “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace” (1 Peter 4:10). As we live out that grace through service and love, God is honored.
Our growth in grace causes others to “give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16) as they recognize His work in our lives. We have the privilege of bearing witness to His transforming power. One day when Christ returns, God’s work of grace in His people will be fully revealed in all its glory (Colossians 3:4).
Growing in grace is a lifelong process for believers. As we submit to God’s working in us through spiritual disciplines, the Holy Spirit changes us to be more like Christ. This growth in godly virtue brings glory to God and prepares us for eternity. If you desire to keep maturing in grace, rely fully on God rather than self-effort. He promises to complete the good work He began in you (Philippians 1:6).
Here are key points about growing in grace:
- It is God’s work in us, not our own efforts
- It is a gradual, lifelong process with ups and downs
- It involves applying God’s grace to our lives and relationships
- It requires engaging in spiritual disciplines
- It leads to developing Christlike virtue and character
- It prepares us for eternity with God
- It brings glory to God as His grace shines through us
As we depend fully on God’s strength, He transforms us through His grace to become more like Jesus. This growth in grace gives Him glory and eternal benefit to us.