We shift our attention in Term 2 in our Jubilee Year to a focus on how our community has grown in its understanding of living out the need to extend undeserved favour to others, mindful that God is doing this to each of us as individuals each and every day.

This article is the first of two in a short series - a focus firstly on our own personal response as followers of Jesus to imitate His graciousness in all that we do.

Growing in grace as a Christian involves deepening our understanding, experience, and embodiment of God's unmerited love - and to let that love shape every part of life. It’s not just about becoming “better” or more moral; it’s about becoming more like Jesus by living in the freedom, humility, and compassion that grace creates.

Here’s a distilled set of suggested foci for us to consider, as we contend with what it means to grow in grace in the reality of our daily lives:

1. A Deeper Awareness of God’s Mercy

Spiritual maturity begins with recognizing just how much grace we've received - and how deeply we need it (can that ever be understood at its deepest level?). As we grow as Christians, we need to stop pretending we have it all together; rather, becoming more honest about our flaws, and more in awe that God loves us anyway.

As J.I. Packer once said: “This is what all the work of grace aims at - an ever-deeper knowledge of God, and an ever-closer fellowship with him. Grace is God drawing us sinners closer and closer to himself.”

“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:3

2. Extending Grace to Others

As grace sinks deeper into our heart, it should naturally overflow. Christians growing in their understanding of grace become more patient, forgiving, and compassionate - not because others “deserve” it, but because they’ve experienced that same undeserved kindness from God.

Think of someone who doesn’t just talk about love and forgiveness but lives it - especially with people who are hard to love.

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32

“Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” John 13:34

3. Letting Go of Legalism and Shame

There is the potential for an entire article here! As a large community, this can be an easy temptation - to abandon grace in the name of order, control and submission - evidence of legalism at work.

Growing in grace means releasing the need to “earn” God's favour or prove our own worth. Instead, it brings peace and freedom. Obedience becomes a response to love, not a way to earn love - a shift from fear-based religiosity to joy-based fellowship.

“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” Galatians 5:1

“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Romans 8:1

4. Becoming Humbler and Other Person-Focused

Grace humbles us because it reminds us that we're not the centre of the story - God is. Christians growing in grace become less concerned with self-image or control and more interested in lifting others up - a gentle strength begins to emerge.

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” Philippians 2:3

“God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” James 4:6

5. Embracing Transformation, Not Perfection

Growing in grace doesn’t mean becoming perfect - it is about committing to being in a process of becoming whole. Outworkings of seeking this transformation include learning to trust God’s timing, leaning on His strength more completely, and being patient with ourselves and others as we all grow.

“He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6

“We all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory.” 2 Corinthians 3:18

6. Staying Rooted in Christ

Ultimately, to grow in grace is to grow in Christ - keeping close to Him through prayer, the study of the Scripture, being in regular fellowship and Christian community, and engaging in personal and corporate worship. As believers, when we abide in Him, grace becomes not just something we receive, but increasingly it characterises the atmosphere we live in and seek to create around those we spend time with.

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit.” John 15:5

“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 3:18

Shalom.

Next week we’ll explore what growing in grace means for us as a school seeking to embody Christ as a grace-filled community.

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