(The image, Growth in Motion, was created by ChatGPT)

 

Grace. Knowledge. Glory.

By Dr. Al Hearne II

2 Peter 3:18, “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.”

We live in a culture that prizes instant results: quick downloads, viral videos, and rapid replies. But God calls His children to focus on something far deeper: steady, lasting growth in Christ. God’s message is clear; our calling is not speed, but continual transformation. True growth is rarely instant; it is steady, rooted, and relational.

Peter’s words point us to the heart of our calling: to be transformed more deeply in Christ each day. To “grow in grace” means that every day we become more aware of God’s unearned love, and as that love sinks into us, it overflows to others. To “grow in knowledge” is not just to know about Jesus, but to walk with Him, study His Word, and let His Spirit shape every part of our lives.

Growth in Christ is not optional. It is the natural result of being "fearfully and wonderfully made," created in His image, and set apart with purpose. Just as a tree grows because it is alive, so a Christian grows because Christ is alive in them. As we grow in grace and knowledge, the fruit of our lives points not to us but to Jesus, who planted, nourished, and sustains us.

You were not made to stay the same. You were created to grow steadily in Christ, becoming more like Him every day.

 

Application

This week, challenge yourself and your children to track your inner growth. Reflect daily: Am I more patient today than I was yesterday? Am I quicker to forgive? Am I hungrier for God’s Word? Commit to discussing these with each other at the end of the week to celebrate progress and set new goals.

Growth in grace means giving the same kindness God gives you. Growth in knowledge means reading Scripture and letting it guide you. Both thrive with consistent prayer, community, and obedience.

Whenever growth produces fruit in your life, whether kindness, patience, or courage, it ultimately points back to Jesus and gives Him glory. The goal of growth is not that people admire us, but that they encounter Him through us. Every step forward in grace and knowledge is meant to shine the spotlight on Christ, “to him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity.”

 

Reflection - Ask your children to reflect upon the following questions:

• What does it mean to grow in grace?
• How is growing in knowledge of Jesus different from just knowing facts about Him?
• What is one area in your life where you sense God is asking you to grow right now?

 

Growth in Action

What are some specific ways to grow in grace and knowledge beyond reflection and discussion?

Lasting growth in grace and knowledge flows from living in Christ. Three practices can focus your efforts:

1. Scripture immersion, not just reading but memorizing a verse a week and praying it back to God.
2. Acts of grace, deliberately practicing kindness, forgiveness, or generosity toward someone specific each week.
3. Prayer partnership, finding one person to pray with regularly, so that knowledge of God is not just intellectual but relational.

With young children, focus on short, repeated practices, such as a bedtime prayer, singing a Scripture song, or saying “thank you, Jesus” for daily blessings.

With older kids, involve them in real-life choices, such as serving a neighbor, forgiving a sibling, and giving thanks before meals.

As a family, make growth visible by talking at the dinner table about “one way we saw God’s grace today” and “one thing we learned about Jesus today.”

What should we do when we feel stuck or discouraged in our spiritual growth?

Every believer experiences seasons where growth feels slow or hidden. In those moments:

• Remember grace: God’s love does not change based on how fast you are growing.
• Stay rooted: continue in Scripture, prayer, and fellowship even if it feels dry, knowing growth often happens beneath the surface.
• Seek renewal: sometimes a new practice (like journaling prayers, fasting, or serving in a fresh way) can awaken growth.

Trust in the promise that “he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion” (Philippians 1:6). God is always at work, even when you feel stuck: growth remains the calling.

 

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for calling us to grow in grace and knowledge. Help us not settle for sameness but press forward in Christlikeness. Show us how to extend grace to others as You have to us, and guide us deeper into the knowledge of Your Son through Your Word and Spirit. May all our growth bring glory to Jesus, now and forever. In His Name, Amen.