As we mature our convictions deepen and our love increases. This brings a tension that requires maturity. How do you love people with whom you disagree? Who is in your circle? How often do you spend time with people different from you in every way? How we answer these questions can say something about our maturity and Christlikeness.

Jesus was with every kind of person and loved each of them. He reacted differently to different people but love guided all that He did. He did this in part to show us what it looks like to be fully human. Here’s a test to gauge where we are in the process of becoming like Jesus. Take it and then have a conversation with God about it.

When people come at us with anger and bitterness and hatred our response reveals where we are in becoming like Christ. We experience God’s grace regardless, but as we mature we learn to feel, be held in those feelings, and process what we experience in such a way that transformation happens, and we respond in love. No doubt this reveals maturity. Let’s discuss how to get there.

V is for Victorious. Maybe the idea of the victorious Christian life doesn’t sit well with you. The victory we have in Christ is full of nuance and mystery. When God saves the day with a miracle, we experience victory; when God allows suffering and heartache and darkness to reign, and we stay faithful, that is victory as well. The call is to a kingdom view of victory. God is victory so being with him is victorious.

L is for listen. As humans we feel loved when someone deeply listens to us, but most of us don’t have that someone. We can become good listeners which includes both skills and mindset and is a sign of maturity. God calls us to love in this way and will empower us as we make space to encounter him.

E is for Enemy. Growing in Christlikeness means becoming the kind of people who love our enemies. It also means knowing who our true enemy is and becoming adept with the weapons of spiritual warfare.