Eight months into 2015, I continue to ponder my word for the year – grace.
Lately, I’ve been considering what it means to grow in grace. God’s grace is constant, always the same, but as I mature in my Christian life, I want to be accessing more of it, to be recognizing and proving the grace that He provides.
Here are three ways I believe we can all grow in grace.
1. Seek to know God more. “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.” (2 Peter 3:18) Grace and knowledge are tied together here – as I learn more about Him, I will know more about His grace and see it at work in my life. All I ever need to know about Him is found in the Bible, so reading, studying, and meditating on it will cause me to be more aware of His grace.
2. Be humble. “But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.” (James 4:6) I cannot grow in grace when I allow pride in my life. This is definitely a struggle for me! Learning to trust in and rely on God and His will rather than my own desires, thoughts, and feelings will allow me to experience more of His grace.
3. Ask God for His grace. “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16) I can’t work harder to get God’s grace. Just as in salvation, my works will get me nowhere. The Bible verse here tells us simply to ask for His grace. Then we can have faith that He will provide it!
In what other ways do you think we can grow in God’s grace?
Being humble is the one that resounds with me; as I realize how much I need God's grace (and the grace of others), I know how much I need to ask for it!
Giving more grace to others (esp. when I don't *want* to) also helps me grow in my understanding of His grace for me 🙂