Be The Mature One
But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: Ephesians 4:15 (KJV)
A mature believer is filled with God, Who is love. The mature believer walks in love, talks love, thinks loving thoughts, and responds in love.
A mature one is the first to forgive, even if someone will not forgive you or receive your forgiveness.
A mature one holds his or her tongue when they want to lash out at someone who speaks wrong to them. The mature believer listens, does not rush to speak or accuse, and controls his or her temper.
Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: James 1:19 (KJV)
A mature believer does not seek revenge but leaves revenge to God. They overcome evil with good and overcome hate with love. They love their enemies, bless those who curse them, are good to those who hate them, and pray for their persecutors (Matthew 5:44).
Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another. Romans 14:19 (KJV)
A mature one goes the extra mile to help someone. They are an example on how to be helpful and patient with one another. A mature believer gives while others simply take, knowing that God will bless them for it.
Mature believers are the first to forgive, the first to apologize, the first to love, the first to do right, and the first to reach out and open up. More character traits of believers are noted in Matthew, Chapters 5, 6, and 7, as well as I Corinthians 13 and Romans 12:9-21. The basis of all maturity is love. Love believes and thinks the best, endures, hopes, and does not give up on God or others.
A mature one is a peacemaker and a peacekeeper, maintaining peace as much as possible without compromising the truth of the Word.
A mature believer is an overcomer. He or she overcomes wrong by doing right. They overcome sin with God’s help and strength. They overcome setbacks by giving. Basically, they do what the Word says. They are not hearers only. A mature Christian is one who obeys God.
Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: Philippians 2:5-9 (KJV)
A mature one thinks and acts like Christ, taking the higher road of denying self to lift up others rather than tear them down. A mature believer follows Christ’s example so others will follow along.
