Growing in Grace

Cover Article

by Michael Jones · Week of February 1, 2026

Spiritual growth is something every Christian desires, yet it is often misunderstood. Many expect maturity to come quickly, as though faith deepens automatically once a person becomes a believer. Scripture presents a different picture. Peter urges Christians to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” in 2 Peter 3:18. That command assumes growth is both possible and necessary, but it also implies that growth is a process. Becoming spiritually mature takes time, perseverance, and trust in God’s work.

Growth begins with grace. From the very start of the Christian life, grace is foundational. We are saved by God’s mercy, not by our own merit. Yet grace does not end at baptism. The same grace that forgives also teaches and shapes us. Growing in grace means learning to live more fully in dependence on God. It involves recognizing our weaknesses and relying on His strength rather than attempting to manage faith through sheer effort.

Spiritual maturity rarely happens in dramatic leaps. More often, it develops quietly through consistent obedience. Just as physical growth is gradual and sometimes uneven, spiritual growth includes seasons of progress, plateaus, and even setbacks. Scripture reassures us that this is normal. God is patient with His people. He understands the slow pace of transformation and continues to work in us even when progress feels imperceptible.

Patience is essential because growth takes time. Many Christians become discouraged when change does not happen as quickly as they hoped. Old habits linger. Struggles persist. Faith feels fragile at times. Growing in grace requires learning to trust God’s timing rather than measuring ourselves against others or unrealistic expectations. God is not in a hurry. He is committed to forming Christlike character, and that work unfolds over a lifetime.

Perseverance is equally important. Growth requires continued faithfulness, especially when motivation wanes or circumstances are difficult. The temptation to give up often comes when growth feels slow or unnoticed. Yet Scripture consistently calls believers to remain steadfast. Continuing in prayer, Scripture, worship, and service even when enthusiasm fades is part of growing in grace. Perseverance is not about willpower alone. It is about choosing faithfulness again and again, trusting that God honors those choices.

Trusting God’s work is central to spiritual maturity. While we are called to obey and pursue holiness, Scripture reminds us that God is the One who ultimately produces growth. Paul expressed confidence that God, who began a good work, would bring it to completion. This truth protects us from both pride and despair. When growth happens, we give God the glory. When growth seems slow, we rest in His faithfulness.

Growing in grace also deepens humility. As Christians mature, they often become more aware of their dependence on God, not less. Spiritual growth does not produce arrogance or self-sufficiency. Instead, it produces gratitude, compassion, and patience toward others. Those who recognize how much grace they have received are better equipped to extend grace to others.

Community plays a role in this process as well. Growth does not happen in isolation. God uses fellow believers to encourage, correct, and support us. Shared worship, study, and service help shape our faith and keep us grounded. Growth in grace is personal, but it is never private.

Ultimately, growing in grace is about becoming more like Christ. It is not about checking spiritual boxes or achieving a certain level of performance. It is about transformation of heart, mind, and life. As we patiently persevere and trust God’s work, we are shaped into people who reflect His character more clearly.

Peter’s exhortation reminds us that growth is ongoing. No matter how long we have followed Christ, there is still room to grow. By trusting God’s grace, remaining faithful, and walking patiently with Him, we continue the lifelong journey of becoming who He calls us to be.

Other congregations are welcome to reprint this. It may be reproduced in another congregation’s bulletin or newsletter without asking permission. An acknowledgement of Orange View Church of Christ is appreciated but not required.

Bible Questions & Answers

What if I just don’t feel close to God anymore?

Many faithful Christians experience seasons when God feels distant. Prayer feels dry, Scripture seems less engaging, and worship lacks the joy it once had. When this happens, people often wonder whether something is wrong with their faith or whether God has withdrawn from them. Scripture addresses these moments with honesty and hope, reminding us that spiritual closeness is something that can be restored.

The Bible makes it clear that God does not drift away from His people without cause. James writes that when we draw near to God, He draws near to us. When distance is felt, Scripture invites us to examine our own hearts rather than assume that God has changed. This examination is not meant to produce guilt, but clarity.

Psalm 51 provides a powerful example. David wrote this psalm after becoming aware of his sin. He did not claim that God had abandoned him. Instead, he acknowledged that his own actions had damaged the relationship. His prayer reveals an important truth. Sin dulls our spiritual sensitivity and disrupts our fellowship with God. Even when we continue outward religious practices, inward closeness can be lost if repentance is neglected.

David’s response shows the path forward. He confessed his sin openly and asked God to renew his heart. He pleaded not merely for forgiveness, but for restoration. His prayer focused on transformation, asking God to create a clean heart and renew a right spirit within him. This teaches that spiritual closeness is not restored through denial or distraction, but through honest repentance and renewed commitment to God.

Revelation 2:4–5 speaks to a different kind of distance. Jesus addressed a congregation that was doctrinally sound and outwardly active, yet had lost its first love. They were not accused of false teaching or moral failure, but of allowing devotion to fade. Jesus called them to remember, repent, and return to the works they had done at first. This shows that distance from God is not always caused by open rebellion. Sometimes it results from neglect, busyness, or misplaced priorities.

Rekindling closeness with God requires intentional effort. Prayer must move beyond routine words to honest conversation. Scripture must be read not merely for information, but for reflection and application. Worship must be approached with a renewed focus on gratitude and reverence. These practices are not empty rituals. They are means God has provided to draw us back into fellowship with Him.

It is also important to recognize that feelings alone are not reliable measures of faithfulness. Emotional closeness may fluctuate due to stress, fatigue, or circumstances. God’s faithfulness does not depend on how close we feel to Him on a given day. Trusting God sometimes means continuing to obey and seek Him even when emotions lag behind.

Restoration also involves obedience. Repentance is not merely feeling sorry, but turning away from what has pulled us away from God. That may involve changing habits, relationships, or priorities that have slowly crowded out devotion. Obedience does not earn closeness, but it expresses genuine repentance and renewed trust.

Finally, spiritual closeness is strengthened within the community of believers. Isolation often deepens spiritual dryness. Shared worship, study, and encouragement help remind us of God’s presence and promises. God designed the church to support believers through seasons of weakness as well as strength.

Feeling distant from God does not mean the relationship is lost. It means attention is needed. Scripture assures us that God is eager to restore those who seek Him. When we respond with repentance, prayer, and renewed devotion, closeness with God can be rekindled. He remains faithful, ready to welcome us back into deeper fellowship. - MJ