Still Learning

Have you ever had to help a toddler learn a basic task, like putting on

shoes or using a fork? While the process can be cute, it can also be long

and frustrating. But no matter how challenging the journey might get, when

we love little ones, we know that the time spent helping them learn and

grow is worth iteven if the process takes

lots of twists and turns.

.

In the Bible, Christians are often called children of God. Even as adults,

we are God’s kids, and our spiritual growth and learning can be just as

twisting and turning as the average toddler’s quest to grow up.

.

As Christians, we can rest in the truth that Jesus knows we have a lot to

learn. He loves us, and He won’t give up on us. We can trust Him to be

patient with us and give us strength as we learn to love others the way He

has loved us (1 John 4:19).

.

Simply put, God is always patient and loving with His children. We can know

this is true because He demonstrated His love for us by dying to save us

(John 3:16-17). What a promise to rest in: that we are secure in the work

of our Savior, Jesus, who died on the cross and rose from the grave. He’s

never going to give up on us. He WILL complete the work He started in us

(Philippians 1:6). So even as we learn and grow, we can look forward to the

day when Jesus will return and we will reach full maturity. And in the

meantime, our patient God will keep helping us through all the twists and

turns. A. W. Smith

.

Do you sometimes get impatient with your own spiritual growth, getting

frustrated when you find it difficult to show love to people or resist

doing things that you know are wrong? Consider taking a moment to talk with

Jesus about these struggles (Hebrews 4:14-16).

.

Until Jesus returns, we all continue to struggle with sin. How could the

truths from today’s Bible passages encourage us when we’re struggling? What

are some practical ways we could remind each other of God’s love,

forgiveness, and patience?

.

And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will

continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus

returns. Philippians 1:6 (NLT)

Read Verses:

Ephesians 5:1-Ephesians 5:2; 2Thess:3:3-2Thess:3:5; Philippians 1:6; 1 John 3:1; 1 John 4:19