Ever feel like you’re slogging through quicksand when trying to make changes in your life, inching forward at a snail’s pace despite your best efforts? It’s frustrating when progress seems slow and the finish line feels out of reach. But what if the key to unlocking the kind of growth and expansion you want to see isn’t about moving faster or pushing harder? Instead, it might be about tapping into a powerful spiritual principle that can turn our struggles into a journey of increased understanding, fulfillment, and incredible transformation in Christ.

We love a quick fix, and we want it in just about every area of our lives. Whether it’s a job promotion, a personal goal, or a spiritual breakthrough, the desire for instant results often leads us to chase after shortcuts. But in our eagerness, we might overlook a fundamental truth: real, lasting change often takes time and patience. And this isn’t because God is slow. It’s because it takes us a while to trust and believe that following the example of Jesus Christ is the answer to any meaningful change we desire in life.

Love is a call to action

In Matthew 22:38-40 (NLT), our Lord and Master spoke a powerful truth that is integral to living a more than abundant life. He taught: “38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.” We make a tremendous mistake if we ignore or underestimate this bedrock of truth that sustains every drop of happiness we’ll experience in our existences. By loving God with all our heart and loving our neighbors as ourselves, we align ourselves with the very essence of God’s Will, which leads to a life of true fulfillment and genuine expansion. It’s through this foundation of love that all other aspects of our lives can flourish and reflect the abundant life Jesus Christ promised us.

There can be no mistake about this. Love is a call to action. We must give the love we seek to receive and do it without an expectation to receive something back. We must do it solely on the premise that Christ has commanded it of us. By loving others unselflessly, without anticipating anything in return, we live out the very essence of Christ’s teachings and reflect his unconditional love. This selfless love is not only a command but also the path to experiencing the fullness of life that Jesus promises.

Giving in spirit and commitment

Most of us have a habit of continuing our same routines, and we give our energy and resources at the same level without modification. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Jesus Christ teaches us in Luke 6:38(NLT), “Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.” Many of us have taken this to heart. We’ve made tremendous investments in the lives of others, but if we’re finding that the desires of our hearts elude us, we must have the courage to take a serious look at our capacity to do more.

We may be taking more than we’re giving, creating an imbalance that impacts various areas in our lives. It may be time to expand our vision and increase our generosity, not just in terms of material resources but also in spirit and commitment. By examining our willingness to give more and grow further, we open ourselves to receive more of the blessings and fulfillment God desires to pour into our lives.

Our giving should go beyond mere material contributions; it must be accompanied by a genuine and positive attitude—this is giving “in spirit.” This means we approach our acts of generosity with joy and compassion, reflecting Christ’s love in every interaction. Additionally, giving “in commitment” involves a consistent and dedicated effort, demonstrating faithfulness and a willingness to go the extra mile. It’s about making a lasting impact through sustained support and dedication, rather than temporary assistance. By combining sincere interactions with steadfast devotion, we align ourselves with the deeper principles of Christ’s teachings and open ourselves to greater blessings and fulfillment in our lives.

Jesus Christ teaches in Luke 6:44 that every tree is known by the fruit it bears. Therefore, taking an honest look at our current reality is a powerful way to deepen our faith. This reflection requires us to acknowledge that what we have right now—the situations, circumstances, and overall condition of our lives—is a direct reflection of our fruit. It provides a clear picture of our levels of giving and receiving. Ignoring this reality means overlooking our very existence. By examining the fruits of our lives, we gain valuable insight into our faithfulness and generosity.

With the Word of God that you know and practice, you have built the reality you face today. As Galatians 6:7 (NLT) reminds us, “Don’t be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant.” Your current reality reflects the fruits of your faith and generosity, showing the impact of the principles you have embraced and lived out. This self-reflection is essential for understanding how you can grow further and align more closely with God’s plans for your life.

Jesus Christ teaches us in Matthew 6:20 (NLT), “Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal.” Investing in the life of someone whom God has ordained for us to bless is a way to store up these heavenly treasures. It’s the key to expansion and increase, to living a fuller, more fulfilling existence where we are confident God will bless us with the desires of our hearts. Opportunities to be a blessing should be a major theme in our prayers, and we should ask God to open our eyes to them. When loving others this way is genuinely the motivation of our hearts, we will more closely align with the example of Christ and position ourselves for increase and expansion according to God’s perfect Will. ■

Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.

“The Key to Expansion and Increase”, written by Fran Mack. Edits by Kim Times and K. Lizzie for Sundie Morning Sistas ©2024. All rights reserved. All done to the glory of God through Jesus Christ, our Lord! SMS is dedicated to inspiring and encouraging Christian Women through the Word of God.