October 23, 2026
Paul explains that the Spirit of the Lord brings freedom and that believers are being transformed to reflect the Lord's glory. This transformation comes through the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit. Christians are not expected to change themselves through effort alone. God continues working within them, making their lives increasingly reflect the character of Christ.
Devotional
Have you ever looked back at something you said or did years ago and wondered what you were thinking? Sometimes we recognize how much we've changed only when we remember how we used to respond to situations.
Maybe there was a time when you struggled to forgive someone, but now you understand that forgiveness can bring freedom. Perhaps you once felt the need to win every disagreement, but experience has taught you the value of listening. Or maybe you've discovered that some things you thought were terribly important don't matter nearly as much as you believed.
Growing in faith can be like that. The changes are often so gradual that we don't notice them happening.
Paul tells the Corinthians that believers are being transformed into the Lord's image through the work of the Spirit. That word "being" matters. It reminds us that becoming more like Jesus is an ongoing process. God doesn't stop working in us when we first believe, and He doesn't expect us to create spiritual maturity through determination alone.
John Wesley understood this continuing transformation as sanctifying grace. God's grace forgives us, but it also works to change us. The Holy Spirit helps us recognize patterns that need to change and gives us the strength to respond differently.
Sometimes that transformation becomes visible through major decisions. More often, it appears in ordinary moments. We become a little more patient with someone who frustrates us. We choose kindness when criticism would be easier. We admit a mistake without immediately defending ourselves.
And those small changes can influence the people watching us.
There is something encouraging about knowing that we do not have to pretend to be perfect examples of Christian faith. If we acknowledge our struggles and allow others to see how God's grace is helping us grow, they may discover that following Jesus is possible for imperfect people.
Of course, grace is not an excuse to remain unchanged. It is the very reason change becomes possible.
We are still becoming the people God created us to be. Some days that growth will be easy to recognize. Other days we may feel as though we've taken a step backward. But the Holy Spirit continues working, calling us to trust Christ and respond to His love.
God is not finished with us yet.
Action
Think of one area where God's grace has helped you grow over the years. Thank Him for that change, and ask the Holy Spirit to show you where He is still inviting you to become more like Christ.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for loving us as we are while continuing to shape us into the people You created us to be. Forgive us when we become impatient with ourselves or resist the changes Your Spirit is bringing into our lives. Help us grow in compassion, patience, humility, and faithfulness. May others recognize Your transforming grace through the way we live. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Thought for the Day
God is still working in me, and His grace is helping me become more like Jesus.
Following Jesus doesn't mean we suddenly become perfect people. In 2 Corinthians 3:17–18, Paul reminds us that the Holy Spirit is continually transforming us. Sometimes that change shows up in big decisions, but often it's visible in smaller things. We become more patient, more willing to forgive, and more careful with our words. God's grace doesn't leave us where it finds us. We're still becoming more like Jesus, and God isn't finished with us yet.
