Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.

— 2 Peter 3:18

As I grow and mature in Christ, I’ve learned the importance of giving myself grace. This lesson is often echoed by the wisdom of mentors and friends who remind me that growth is a process, not an immediate transformation.

One day a close friend gently pointed out that I was too hard on myself for not meeting certain milestones. She shared her own experiences of growth, filled with triumphs and setbacks. Her transparency and kindness helped me to see the value of being patient with myself.

In another example, a pastor emphasized that we need to acknowledge our progress, no matter how small. His words, “God’s grace covers our imperfections,” encouraged me to view myself through the lens of grace.

“Grow in the grace and knowledge of . . . Jesus Christ,” urges 2 Peter 3:18. This involves embracing our imperfections, learning from our mistakes, and celebrating our progress. It’s a reminder that God’s grace is sufficient for every step of our journey. We need to let go of unrealistic expectations and understand that maturity comes with time and experience.

Another mentor once told me, “Every step forward, no matter how small, is still progress.” His words have stayed with me, reminding me that growth is not always visible but is always happening.

Lord, help us to grow in grace, learning from our mistakes and trusting in your ongoing work in us. Through Jesus, Amen.