One of the greatest evidences of spiritual maturity is love. It is possible to become knowledgeable about the Bible without becoming more loving. .
“And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment.”
— Philippians 1:9 (KJV)
We can know Scripture, attend church, pray regularly, and even serve in ministry while still struggling to love people properly.
But Jesus said that our love would be one of the ways the world recognizes that we are His disciples.
Spiritual growth changes the way we treat people.
When we were spiritually immature, we may have been quick to retaliate when offended. We may have held grudges, judged people quickly, or loved only those who loved us.
But as Christ grows in us, our capacity to forgive increases.
We begin to understand that love is not merely a feeling. Love is a decision to seek another person's good even when it is inconvenient.
Jesus demonstrated this kind of love. He loved people who rejected Him. He forgave those who crucified Him. He served those who could offer Him nothing in return.
Growing spiritually means becoming increasingly like Christ in the way we relate to people.
The test of our Christianity is not only how we behave in church. It is how we behave when someone annoys us, disappoints us, disagrees with us, or treats us unfairly.
If we are truly growing, love should become increasingly visible in our lives.
Reflection
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Am I becoming more loving as I grow in Christ?
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How do I respond when people offend or disappoint me?
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Is there someone I need to forgive?
Prayer
Lord, teach me to love as You love. Remove bitterness, unforgiveness, pride, and resentment from my heart. Help me to respond to people with grace and truth. Let Your love become increasingly visible through my life. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Daily Declaration
The love of Christ works through me.
I forgive freely.
I refuse bitterness and hatred.
I treat people with grace and dignity.
My love is becoming more like the love of Jesus.
Amen.