Growing in grace is the increasing degree, size, strength, energy, and power of repentance, faith, love, humility, zeal, and courage which the Holy Spirit plants in a believer’s heart. As we go through different seasons of our lives, the growth of grace can and will change by becoming stronger, weaker, or staying dormant. As Christians, we are called to grow in grace as we see here in these scriptures that encourage growth:
1 Thessalonians 3:12 – “And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love to one another and to all, just as we do to you,”
1 Thessalonians 4:1 – “Finally then, brethren, we urge and exhort in the Lord Jesus that you should abound more and more, just as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God;”
1 Thessalonians 4:10 – “and indeed you do so toward all the brethren who are in all Macedonia. But we urge you, brethren, that you increase more and more;”
1 Thessalonians 1:3 – “We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is fitting, because your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of every one of you all abounds toward each other,”
Colossians 1:10 – “that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;”
2 Corinthians 10:15 – “not boasting of things beyond measure, that is, in other men’s labors, but having hope, that as your faith is increased, we shall be greatly enlarged by you in our sphere,”
Ephesians 4:15 – “but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ—"
Philippians 1:9 – “And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment,”
1 Peter 2:2 – “as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow [a]thereby,”
5 Reasons Growing in Grace is Important for Your Soul
1. “Growth in grace” is the best evidence of spiritual health and prosperity. In a child, or a flower, or a tree, we are all aware that when there is no growth there is something wrong.
2. “Growth in grace “is one way to be content and joyful in our faith. God has linked together our comfort and our increase in holiness. He has graciously made it our interest to press on and aim high in our Christianity.
3. “Growth in grace” is one secret of usefulness to others. Our influence on others for good depends greatly on what they see in us.
4. “Growth in grace” pleases God. A gardener loves to see the plants on which he has labored over flourishing and bearing fruit. It cannot but disappoint and grieve him to see them stunted and standing still. The Lord takes pleasure in all His people, but especially in those that are growing in grace.
John 15:1 – “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser.”
John 15:8 – “By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit, so you will be My disciples.”
5. “Growth in grace” is not only a thing possible, but a thing for which believers are accountable.
II. How is your growth in grace measured?
1. By increased humility.
2. By increased faith and love towards our Lord Jesus Christ.
3. By increased holiness of life and conversation.
4. By increased spirituality of taste and mind.
5. By increase of charity.
6. By increased zeal and diligence in trying to do good to souls.
