As Christians, life in Christ involves continuous growth in grace and love. Our spiritual journey is rooted in God's boundless love and transformed by His universal grace. From a Wesleyan perspective, this growth is a reflection of God's image being restored in us, drawing us deeper into love for God and neighbor.
The Christian Journey of Grace
John Wesley, founder of Methodism, emphasized the process of grace in three distinct stages: Prevenient Grace, Justifying Grace, and Sanctifying Grace. These stages are not separate checkpoints but interconnected parts of a lifelong journey, with each enriching the other as we grow closer to God.
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Prevenient Grace: God actively seeks all humanity, offering His grace to everyone, whether they are aware of it or not. This grace draws us toward a relationship with God and sets the foundation for everything else in our spiritual journey.
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Justifying Grace: This is the moment when we truly experience God's love, feel forgiven, and accept the gift of salvation. It is that "aha" moment where we understand that Christ's love is personal and transformative.
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Sanctifying Grace: As we walk with Christ, sanctifying grace helps us grow deeper in love and live more like Him. Through spiritual disciplines—prayer, worship, acts of service, and study of scripture—we allow God's grace to shape us into His likeness.
These graces work together to bring us closer to God and, in turn, to better love and serve others.
Rooted in Love
Ephesians 3:17-19 reminds us that we are to be "rooted and established in love." Like a plant that thrives when its roots grow deep into healthy soil, our lives flourish when grounded in God's love. As we experience His love for us, we learn to extend that love to others, bringing God's grace into the world.
A Prayer for Growth in Grace and Love
Lord,
We thank You for Your boundless love and grace, constantly drawing us closer to You. Help us to be rooted deeply in Your love, that we may grow in grace and share that love with others. Strengthen us with Your Spirit, so that our hearts may be transformed to reflect Your image. Guide us on our journey, as we strive to love You more and serve our neighbors with compassion. Let Your grace flow through us, making us instruments of Your peace and joy. In Christ’s name, Amen.
Let this be an invitation for you to open your heart to the work of God's grace. Whether you are just beginning your journey or have walked with Christ for years, His grace is always at work, drawing you closer, transforming you into His likeness. Let's keep growing together, deeply rooted in the love of God.