Ephesians 4:15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

When we are young men, we want to be like our fathers. Fathers are the image of the son grown up. Now that we have been born again, we are to grow up into Christ. Let us be clear as to what we are to grow. Taking an idiom from this world, “The fruit does not fall far from the tree.”

Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. ESV

Spiritual rebirth brings spiritual fruit, indicating growth. It is noteworthy that patience is listed right after peace. Children are impatient. Well aren’t we? I know I have been. I know others struggle with that also.

Patience is required to grow the remainder of the fruits of the spirit. Love, joy and peace come to use quickly. Peace however has to complete its full work in us as children in order for patience to appear. Is it possible to be patient when you are angry? I have not found that to be true in my life. Holding on to your peace is difficult in this world with all that is going on around us.

Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. ESV

The peace of God is given as a protective measure. Loss of peace afflicts your heart and mind. If we do not intend to grow in Christ, we do harm to that which we already have received. It does more than just stunt your growth. It will dull your joy. While it will never afflict He who is in you, a joyless life will not reflect the love that is in you.

2 Corinthians 4:6-7 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.

2 Corinthians 4:6-10 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.

Troubled on every side, stressed out, perplexed, persecuted, and cast down are just a few of the things that we as disciples of Christ must suffer. We are not, in the flesh, able to withstand all that is placed upon us. We can only bear up under the weight of all that because of He who is in us. It is not we ourselves.

Psalm 12:5 For the oppression of the poor, for the sighing of the needy, now will I arise, saith the Lord; I will set him in safety from him that puffeth at him.

Psalm 121:1-3 I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.

Ephesians 4:14-15 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: