Growing in Grace: Christianity Is Messy Before You’re Made

We don’t grow by studying the definition of consistency; we grow by trying to be consistent in an inconsistent world. We don’t learn love by discussing it in theory; we learn it when we choose to love those who are difficult to love.

Peter learned that the hard way. Jesus warned His disciples they would all fall away, but Peter insisted, “I never will” (Matthew 26:31, 33). He was confident — until he wasn’t. It wasn’t until Peter actually denied Jesus that he understood the depth of his own weakness. That failure became the foundation of his maturity.

Years later, when Peter urged believers to “grow in the grace (charis, χάρις — unearned favor and transforming power) and knowledge (gnōsis, γνῶσις — experiential understanding) of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18), he was likely in his seventies (2 Peter 1:14–15). The impulsive fisherman had become a wise shepherd. His exhortation wasn’t theory — it was testimony.

Peter’s journey was messy. He wrestled with pride and prejudice. As a Jewish believer, he initially resisted God’s call to welcome Gentiles, insisting, “I have never eaten anything impure” (Acts 10:14). Later, Paul publicly rebuked him for withdrawing from Gentile believers out of fear of criticism (Galatians 2:11–14). Through each failure and confrontation, grace stretched Peter beyond his comfort zone, teaching him that God’s love is far wider than his traditions.

Growth in grace is never sterile or neat. It happens in the struggle, the stumbling, and the stretching. As C.S. Lewis once wrote:

“Failures, repeated failures, are finger posts on the road to achievement. One fails forward toward success.”

That’s how grace (charis) works — it meets us where we fall and lifts us toward what we’re becoming. Before we’re “made,” we’re messy. And that’s where grace does its best work.

Reflection:
What messy areas of your life might grace be growing you through right now?

Grace to you,
Cedric
Traditionalwriter@yahoo.com