Grow in Grace

The tree is up. Presents abound under his branches – those gifts of love to those who matter the most to us. Perhaps there are duty gifts there as well, for those to whom we feel obligated.

It takes time to prepare gifts or search for those that suit the needs and wants of others. It is worth the effort to bring joy and happiness to those around us. Some people go to great extremes trying to show their care to others by extensive gift giving.

Our Heavenly Father lavishes us with gifts also. His gifts are ones that don’t tarnish or break. God’s gifts are good and perfect.

The greatest gift of all is salvation in Jesus Christ. It is a gift with no strings attached. All we need to do is believe that Jesus died for our sins and rose again to give us eternal life with Him.

Alright, you say – now what do I do with this gift? Does it only pertain to where I go when I die or does it impact my life right now?

There are many who live with the impression that all is good if they believe in Jesus and have their eternal destiny sealed. Yet, frequently, they get tossed and tumbled about in the cares of this world – at a loss as to how to navigate turbulent waters.

What is the answer? To grow in grace.

In the book of 2 Peter, he speaks about how the world will go after believers and try to sway them away from godly things. Peter encourages us to stand strong in the faith. He concludes his book with these words:

“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever.” (2 Peter 3:18 NIV)

As we deal with God’s amazing gift of grace we are told to grow. How do we do that?

Growing is a process. We don’t instantaneously have all the answers the minute we believe in Christ as our Lord and Saviour. It is a step-by-step process. Fragile baby steps lead to more extensive steps as we move forward in our faith journey.

Growth starts with building a relationship with the Giver of grace. As with any relationship, it is a two-sided thing: listening and talking.

When we meet with other believers and hear the teaching and preaching of those trained in the faith, we glean new insights into our relationship with Christ. Hearing God’s Word and participating in His sacraments are God’s loving means of grace. Filling our lives with prayer makes an astounding difference as we share our hurts and concerns as well as our praise and thanks with the One who orchestrates life and gives us grace.

Grace is God reaching out to us. He extends His hand of love and mercy to all who believe. He wants us to be close with Him and have a strong connection.

As we grow in grace and knowledge, we learn that God provides all that we need. He knows what is going on in our lives and what is needful. He provides us what we need, when we need it.

The world does not want us to grow in faith and the knowledge of God’s abundant grace. Often, we face opposition as we try to nurture our relationship with Christ.

Take heart, dear friends. Our loving Heavenly Father, who gave us the first Christmas gift of His beloved Son, now stands ready to uphold you in your Christian walk. In these days of tinsel and trees, parties and events, gifts and obligations – He is there with the reminder of what this season is truly about.

Merry Christmas dear reader. May God surround you with His joy, hope, and peace as only He can give.

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