I have a tomato plant in my garden. I wanted to relive the joy of picking and eating my own fresh tomato. Now, my gardening skills are limited. But I’m on a mission with this plant! Water daily – check. Fertilize – check. Choose a sunny spot that is spared the blistering afternoon sun – check. Will my nurturing bring growth? I’ll have to wait and see.

I’m thinking that nurturing is required for all types of growth. Am I “growing in faith?” We know that faith is a gift of God, but it’s also our response. It’s our recognition of God’s call and are free decision to follow the call. We’re taught that a living faith is a searching faith, a faith that “seeks understanding.”

Like all living things, a living faith needs nourishment. We find that nourishment when we search God’s Word for instruction. We lift prayers that bring us closer to our Creator. We allow God to work through us in acts of love and compassion.

The apostles encouraged this growth. Peter says in 2 Peter 3:18, “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul says, “Speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the head, that is, Christ.” Ephesians 4:15

I pray that you and I will grow to be what God wants us to be. His unconditional love is there to help and guide us every step of the way.

Judy