Spiritual maturity truly isn't measured by how long you have been a Christian, or how often you go to church, how much or long that you pray, how often you read the Bible, or how good you can quote scripture. Spiritual maturity is measured by the relationship that you have with God, and all others. It's measured by the amount of love inside you, and that flows out of you. This is our "Christian gift".
(I Corinthians 13:13 NIV) says, "Now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love." This means, that when we are walking in love we treat everyone and everything with patience, courtesy and respect.
Are you kind to all that is around you? Are you patient with children and your family members? Are you patient with people when you are in a rush at check-out counter, or to the people in cars driving down the road that may be moving too slowly for you? Even when you are very busy, you can choose to be patient. Nobody really likes to wait around for something to happen, especially if it's something they really want to see come to pass. God says that people who trust in Him need to wait on Him.
Are you forgiving when you are driving down the highway and someone cuts you off? Are you respectful to your coworkers? Do you reframe from kicking the cat when you come home after a difficult day and pet the cat instead? Do you forgive yourself when you just can't seem to get something right? These are all characteristics of love. This is the Christian gift that we should give to God, to ourselves and to others that pleases God the most.
The Bible tells us throughout that love is patient. It is kind. It does not envy; it is not proud, and it is not rude or insulting. Love is not easily angered, and it keeps no record of wrong doing. Love never fails. Notice that these traits don’t have anything to do with our feelings. To love is truly a personal choice that only we choose to make or not make!
Satan has a goal for your life. He wants to steal your love and joy, he wants to make you so discouraged that you hate, and just quit loving. He knows that if you get discouraged and down, you will eventually settle less than what God wants from you. (John 10:10 NCV) says, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy, I have came to give life – life in all its fullness."
(Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV) says, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make straight your paths."
You should strive to walk in love even when you don't feel like it! Make walking in love your choice and choose to do what is right. Choose everyday to show patience, kindness, and be courteous to all that you come in contact with. Always look for ways to cultivate and grow the greatest Christian gift in your life; your love! As you continually walk in love, and your love continues to grow, you will truly move forward into a life of many blessings that God has in store for you.
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