Growing into Christ
Verse for the Day
‘The gifts he gave were … for building up the body of Christ, until all of us come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to maturity, to the measure of the full stature of Christ’ (Ephesians 4:11-13).
Additional Scripture Passages
- Proverbs 9:10
- Psalm 119:97-103
- Mark 12:28–34a
Commentary
In Ephesians 4:13 we are shown a vision of the wholeness of the unified Body of Christ – through unity in faith and maturity into the fullness of Christ’s stature. We are invited into a reality that is more than knowing; it is embodied. Knowing that you do not know everything is the beginning of wisdom. As we humbly explore in awe (a different definition of fear), we can discover paths to maturity that are life changing and renewing not just for us personally, but also for the Church and, through the Church, for the world. It means becoming more like Jesus in every way: loving as Jesus loves, serving as Jesus serves and reflecting His character. We are called to share our spiritual journey, seeking unity with each other, growing in our lived experience of the Son of God and striving for the full stature of Christ.
Reflection
Your word lingers in me like the taste of sweet honey,
rich and full bodied.
I savour Your aroma,
drink in the delights of Your ways
deepening the flavour of my soul.
As Your presence enriches my very being,
Your Spirit
poured over and permeating
my innermost thoughts and feelings.
You woo me
towards a better path,
paved with Your riches,
populated with Your children –
all of us
journeying
delighting
following
becoming.
Prayer
May I rise with You, Light of the World,
called to bring grace and mercy.
May I journey in the wake of Your Spirit,
called towards righteousness and peace.
May I rest with the hope of good things
in the places of Your creation that You, O God, call me to bring healing.
May we all, with courage and joy,
work faithfully for the coming of Your kingdom.
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
Now and always and unto the ages of ages.
Amen.
Questions
- Personal: Where have you experienced ‘stretching’ as you strive for the full stature of Christ? Reflect on what you learned.
- Local: Who do we need to stretch us a bit more in our loving and serving in our local context?
- Global: Who do we need to journey with to stretch us in our loving and serving in a national and global context?
Go and Do
- Personal: Reflect on where you are afraid to go. Have a conversation with someone you trust about discipleship opportunities that feel challenging.
- Local: Find a group or local activity that stretches your faith and service, and learn a bit more by engaging with them.
- Global: Find something culturally distant and uncomfortable for you and engage and learn from it.
Original source: WPCU 2026