Posts with the tag “spiritual-growth”

"Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ." - Ephesians 4:15One of the most challenging aspects of Christian community is learning to speak truth in love. We tend to swing between two extremes: speaking truth without love (which wounds) or showing love without truth (which enables). Paul calls us to hold bo...  Read More

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it may be even more fruitful.” - John 15:1-2We love the idea of the harvest, but we often resent the process of pruning. The very word sounds painful. It implies loss, cutting, and reduction. In a culture that celebrates accumulation—more...  Read More

"Instead, speaking the truth in love, let us grow in every way into him who is the head - Christ." - Ephesians 4:15 Paul presents a beautiful picture of how truth functions within the Christian community. Truth-telling isn't meant to tear down or humiliate, but to build up and promote growth. When we speak truth in love, we're participating in God's work of maturing His people and conforming them ...  Read More

"Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged." - Colossians 3:20-21 When most people think about spiritual growth, their minds go straight to reading the Bible, praying, or maybe attending church. Those things absolutely matter, but if you really want to know how closely someone walks with Jesus, look at ...  Read More

"Do what you have learned and received and heard from me, and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you." - Philippians 4:9 The last piece in this journey toward a healthy thought life is all about imitation. Not imitation in the sense of copying someone’s style or personality, but imitation that flows from wisdom and humility. Paul is wrapping up this section in Philippians by telling the...  Read More

“Consider it a great joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you experience various trials, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing.” - James 1:2-4   Have you ever wondered how to become more like Christ, especially in the area of patience? It’s one thing to grow a little thro...  Read More

“Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first.” - Revelation 2:4   As we dive into Jesus’ messages to the seven churches in Revelation, one striking aspect stands out: Jesus doesn’t just praise these churches or merely criticize them. Instead, He offers a balanced perspective, pointing out both their strengths and their weaknesses. This approach is something we can lear...  Read More

May 21, 2023“Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future.” – Proverbs 19:20  If you want to live a life worthy of the calling of God, you are going to have to come to terms with the fact that you are not perfect. At times, no matter how hard you try, you WILL mess up. You will fail. No one, outside of Jesus Christ, that has ever stepped foot on this earth has do...  Read More

God's divine power has given you everything you need for a godly life. Discover the resources already yours in Christ.  Read More