Measuring Spiritual Growth
Hello! Today, we’ll talk about how to measure our spiritual growth. Just like we can see how much we’ve grown taller or learned in school, we can also see how we’re growing in our faith. We’ll use simple examples and stories, and look at what the Bible says about it.
Indicators of Spiritual Maturity
- Love and Kindness
Example: Think about being kind to someone even when they are not kind to you. This shows that you’re growing in love, just like Jesus taught us.
Story: The Good Samaritan helped a hurt man on the road, even though others ignored him. This story shows love and kindness in action.
Scriptural Reference: “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” – John 13:34
Indicator: You know you’re growing spiritually when you show more love and kindness to everyone, including those who are hard to love.
- Patience and Self-Control
Example: Imagine waiting patiently for your turn or controlling your anger when someone annoys you. This shows patience and self-control.
Story: Moses showed great patience when leading the Israelites through the desert for 40 years, despite their complaints and disobedience.
Scriptural Reference: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” – Galatians 5:22-23
Indicator: You know you’re growing spiritually when you can stay calm and patient, even in difficult situations.
- Forgiveness
Example: Think about forgiving someone who hurt you, just like Jesus forgives us.
Story: Joseph forgave his brothers who sold him into slavery. He even helped them during a famine, showing true forgiveness.
Scriptural Reference: “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” – Ephesians 4:32
Indicator: You know you’re growing spiritually when you can forgive others, even when it’s hard.
- Joy and Peace
Example: Imagine feeling happy and peaceful, even when things don’t go your way. This shows that you trust God no matter what.
Story: Paul and Silas sang hymns and prayed in prison, showing joy and peace even in tough times.
Scriptural Reference: “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” – Philippians 4:4
Indicator: You know you’re growing spiritually when you have joy and peace in your heart, regardless of your circumstances.
Self-Assessment and Seeking Feedback
- Self-Assessment
Example: Think about how you check your progress in school by looking at your grades or asking yourself how much you’ve learned.
Steps for Self-Assessment:
- Pray: Ask God to show you areas where you need to grow.
- Reflect: Think about your actions and attitudes. Are you more loving, patient, and forgiving than before?
- Read the Bible: Compare your life with the teachings of Jesus and the Bible.
Scriptural Reference: “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves.” – 2 Corinthians 13:5
- Seeking Feedback
Example: Just like you ask teachers for feedback on how to improve in school, you can ask trusted friends or family about your spiritual growth.
Steps for Seeking Feedback:
- Ask Trusted People: Talk to friends, family, or church leaders who know you well and ask them how they see you growing spiritually.
- Be Open to Advice: Listen to what they say and be willing to make changes.
- Pray Together: Ask them to pray with you and support you in your spiritual journey.
Story: Barnabas helped Paul grow in his faith and ministry. Paul also guided and encouraged young believers like Timothy.
Scriptural Reference: “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” – Proverbs 27:17
Conclusion
Measuring spiritual growth is important to see how we are becoming more like Jesus. Indicators of spiritual maturity include love, patience, forgiveness, joy, and peace. We can assess our growth by praying, reflecting, and reading the Bible. We can also seek feedback from trusted friends and family. Remember, spiritual growth is a journey, and with God’s help, we can continue to grow and become stronger in our faith every day.
Scriptural Encouragement: “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.” – 2 Peter 3:18
Keep growing in your faith, and remember, God is with you every step of the way!
