How does God's grace affect our spiritual growth?

God's grace plays a fundamental role in our spiritual growth. As seen in 2 Peter 3:18, we are called to grow in grace and knowledge, indicating that all growth stems from His grace. It’s not merely about our efforts or disciplines, but rather recognizing that true growth is gifted by God. This grace empowers us to mature spiritually by revealing Christ to us and helping us understand who we are in Him. Moreover, it changes our desires and affections, allowing us to grow in love for God and others. We cannot grow in grace without first having experienced grace ourselves; therefore, understanding and acknowledging God's grace in our lives is essential for spiritual maturity.