What does the Bible say about the growth of grace in a Christian's life?

The work of grace in a believer's heart is portrayed as a gradual process, where spiritual growth occurs in stages. Just as a farmer sees the wheat plant grow 'first the blade, then the ear, then the full corn in the ear,' so too, the Christian's faith and spiritual maturity develop progressively. Every believer, regardless of how weak they may feel, is alive to God through the seed of grace that has taken root within them. This truth provides comfort and assurance that spiritual life can exist even in its formative and unrefined stages.