Another mark of growth in grace

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(J.C. Ryle, "Growth in Grace" 1879)

Another mark of growth in grace, is increase in LOVE to others. The man whose soul is growing, is more full of love every year--of love to all men--but especially of love towards the brethren.

His love will show itself actively--in a growing disposition to do kindnesses, to take trouble for others, to be good-natured to everybody, to be generous, sympathizing, thoughtful, tender-hearted and considerate.

His love will show itself passively--in a growing disposition to be meek and patient towards all men, to put up with provocation and not stand upon his rights, to bear and forbear much rather than quarrel. A growing soul will try to put the best construction on other people's conduct; and to believe all things and hope all things, even to the end. There is no surer mark of backsliding and falling off in grace--than an increasing disposition to find fault, pick holes, and see weak points in others. Would anyone know if he is growing in grace? Then let him look within for increasing love to others.

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Another mark of growth in grace

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(J.C. Ryle, "Growth in Grace" 1879)

Another mark of growth in grace, is increased spirituality of taste and mind. The man whose soul is growing, takes more interest in spiritual things every year.

He does not neglect his duty in the world. He discharges faithfully, diligently and conscientiously--every relation of life, whether at home or abroad. But the things he loves best, are spiritual things.

The amusements and recreations of the world, have a continually decreasing place in his heart. He does not condemn them as downright sinful--he only feels that they have a constantly diminishing hold on his own affections--and gradually seem smaller and more trifling in his eyes. Spiritual companions, spiritual occupations, spiritual conversation--are of ever-increasing value to him. Would anyone know if he is growing in grace? Then let him look within for increasing spirituality of taste.

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