As I've been thinking about the word grow today, the verse that keeps coming to mind is the one from the end of Luke 2 where it says "And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men." It comes at the end of the story about Jesus' family visiting Jerusalem when he was 12, and how he was discussing the Scriptures with the teachers.
How eager are we to discuss the Scriptures with others? Are we continuing to grow in favor with God by learning more about Him through His word? Are we growing in favor with men as we model the patience and grace that Jesus had? Are we teaching our children about Christian growth?
These can be difficult lessons at times, because let's face it, we all have days when we make poor choices, when we overreact to what someone did or said, when we loose our temper. The lesson to ourselves (and thusly, our children) is what we do when we realize we have strayed from that patience and grace. Are we quick to forgive, or to ask for forgiveness? Do we mend relationships, or do we let a bad choice of words fester into a strain on our friendships?
Today, tomorrow, and even next week, may we think about how Jesus grew in favor with God and man, and may it remind us to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry. May we be examples of patience and grace to a hurt and dying world. Grow closer to God.
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