“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.” (2 Peter 3:18) This verse captures the very essence of our connection and transformation as devout followers of Christ, and I would like to look closer at its significance.
Grace stands as a foundational element of our faith. It signifies God’s unmerited favour that redeems us and empowers us to lead a life that is pleasing to Him. Much like how a tree flourishes and matures, we are called to cultivate grace. This entails a ceaseless quest for, and acceptance of, God’s grace in our lives. It is a reminder that grace is not a one-off occurrence but a continuous process. As we cultivate grace, we grow in patience, compassion, and forgiveness. We learn to perceive others through the lens of God’s grace, understanding that we too are recipients of His ceaseless love and forgiveness.
This passage also instructs us to expand our understanding of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. This understanding is not solely about intellectual comprehension but also about an intimate, personal relationship with Him. We can broaden this understanding by looking deeper in the scriptures, engaging in prayer, and seeking the counsel of the Holy Spirit. The more we comprehend about Jesus, the better we grasp His teachings, His example, and His divine mission. This comprehension greatly assists us in handling the trials of life and making decisions that are according to His will and purpose in our lives.
This verse concludes with the declaration, “To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.” This reminds us that our growth in grace and understanding should ultimately bring glory to Jesus Christ. As we become more Christ-like, we evolve into vessels of His love, grace, and truth. Our lives ought to radiate His glory, and our actions should bear witness to His presence in our hearts. We bestow glory upon Him not merely through our words, but through our everyday existence.
In conclusion, 2 Peter 3:18 is an invitation to action. It exhorts us to take an active role in our spiritual walk, to continually cultivate grace and expand our understanding, and to bestow glory upon our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. As we heed this call, we have the potential to experience the progressive influence of His grace in our lives and become shining examples of His radiance.
Let’s take what we learn about this passage as an opportunity for deeper spiritual growth, dedicating ourselves to the pursuit of grace, the pursuit of understanding, and the pursuit of bestowing glory upon our Lord.
In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
