During the month of March we spent some time looking at how believers are challenged to move beyond spiritual infancy to maturity. This call continues into Hebrews 6, where foundational teachings are described not as an end, but as a beginning – a platform upon which a deeper, richer faith is built. True Christian maturity is not measured merely by knowledge, activity or outward appearance, but by the steady expansion of love – both for God and for others.
To grow in Christ is to grow in love. Scripture makes this unmistakably clear. In 1 Corinthians 13:1-2, Paul writes that even the greatest gifts and knowledge are meaningless without love. Likewise, 1 Corinthians 8:1 reminds us that “knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.” Love is the clearest evidence that faith is alive and maturing. A believer may understand doctrine, participate in church life and even serve faithfully, yet without increasing love, these remain superficial and works-based.
Our growing love for God naturally overflows into love for others.
1 John 4:7-8 tells us that love comes from God and that whoever loves has been born of God and knows Him. Spiritual maturity reshapes how we see people – not as obstacles or competitors, but as individuals made in God’s image. We become more patient, more forgiving, more compassionate. As Colossians 3:14 declares,
“over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”
The elementary teachings mentioned in Hebrews 6 – repentance, faith and instruction – are essential, but they are only the beginning. They prepare the heart for a life marked by love. Maturity is not about leaving these truths behind, but about building upon them in a way that transforms our character.
In the end, the measure of our growth in Christ is simple yet profound:
Are we loving more deeply today than we did before? If so, we are moving forward into the fullness of spiritual maturity.
