You Will Grow in Grace and Knowledge

Key Verse to Read and Treasure

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen  

For Insight

At the end of the growing season last year, we cut back branches on our rose bushes and cherry blossom trees. They all needed a good trimming. All winter they endured brutal cold, snow, brisk winds and but under the warm, gentle breezes of spring vibrant green buds are popping and beautiful pink blossoms are covering the branches of the trees. They won’t be as high or long as the years gone by, that growth will take time and patience, but they will be fuller and healthier.

Our Lord’s patience is essential to our salvation. As Peter says elsewhere in his letter God is not slow to respond as some accuse him of being but he is long suffering. The Lord prunes us, watches over us and takes time cultivating us because he knows it takes time for us to take our salvation seriously. It takes time before we realize that daily repentance is important, it takes time before we are stable in our faith, it takes time until we are strengthened through God’s Word and much time before we fully appreciate the benefit of God’s grace and acknowledge his amazing gifts to us. But God is patient to see these result in us. Peter urges believers to keep themselves fortified in and by God’s Word so we do not fall away or become impatient with the process.  

The relationship we have with Christ is always growing because we are always growing and under construction. As Paul says we are works in progress. The things we take for granted in him now, we won’t in times ahead. The immaturity we show now won’t always be so. The impatience we have with God now, won’t always be this way. As God is waiting on us, caring for us, pruning us, we are learning, becoming stronger, maturing, and growing in the ways and areas that really count in the long run.  

In Peter’s final words to his readers, he reminds us to grow in grace and in knowledge. Peter wrote and preached from his own experience. He was once impulsive, strong-willed, hot-tempered, all over the map in his emotions and thinking what was right but Jesus helped him reach that place of stability and maturity. It did not come over night, but the wait and work were well worth it.

Godly wisdom, patience, gentleness, maturity is not in the cradle with the baby. That takes time and patience and growing in grace and knowledge—but they are present at the deathbed of the Christian who has planted themselves in the Vine and been receptive to the pruning and care of God over their life’s journey.     

Gracious Lord, thank you for your patience with me. As you tend to me, I am growing, and I look forward to all the ways I will continue to grow in and under your care. Amen  

Ask Yourself

In what ways or areas of life am I experiencing growth as I abide in Christ? How have I matured in faith, in attitude, in behavior and in life?

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