By: Precious Allitt

"Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit."
— Jeremiah 17:7-8 (NASB) 

Growing Takes Time, But the Fruit Will Come 

Spiritual growth is a journey, not an overnight transformation. But let’s be real—sometimes we get frustrated when we don’t see instant results. We pray for more patience, yet we still struggle when someone tests us. We study God’s Word, but we don’t always feel wiser. We work on our self-control, yet old habits creep back in. Sound familiar?


Here’s the truth: just like a tree doesn’t bear fruit the moment it’s planted, your spiritual growth won’t always be immediately visible—but that doesn’t mean it’s not happening.

God is working beneath the surface, strengthening your roots, even when you can’t see the full picture. And when the time is right, the fruit will come. But how do we recognize the growth God is producing in us? How do we know we’re maturing in faith, even when we don’t feel it?

Let’s talk about the signs of deep spiritual roots and how to celebrate the growth God is producing in your life.   
  

1. Your Responses Are Changing

One of the clearest signs of spiritual growth is how you respond to situations that used to trigger you. Think about it—when someone disrespected you last year, how did you react? And now? Are you quicker to extend grace, slower to anger, more thoughtful in your words? That’s growth.

💡 Virtue in Action: Patience (Ephesians 4:2), Kindness (Ephesians 4:32), and Self-Control (Titus 2:11-12)  


✅ How to Recognize It:

You no longer feel the urge to clap back or get even.

You pause before reacting and seek wisdom before speaking.

You’re choosing to extend love and grace instead of hostility.

👏🏾 Celebrate This Growth! 

That moment when you almost reacted out of anger, but the Holy Spirit held you back? That’s proof of deepening roots. Keep growing!  
  

2. You Crave God’s Word More 

Remember when reading the Bible felt like a chore? But now, you actually want to dig into Scripture. Maybe you’re noticing connections in the Word that you never saw before. Maybe you feel convicted when you skip your devotional time. That hunger for truth? That’s a sign your spiritual appetite is growing.

💡 Virtue in Action: Faithfulness (1 Corinthians 4:2) and Joy (Psalm 16:11)  

✅ How to Recognize It:

 You genuinely enjoy reading and studying God’s Word.

You seek answers in Scripture before turning to the world’s advice.

You find yourself meditating on verses throughout the day.

👏🏾 Celebrate This Growth!

When your soul desires spiritual nourishment more than distractions, that’s a major sign of maturity. Stay in the Word!  
  

3. You’re More Aware of the Holy Spirit’s Guidance 

When you’re rooted in Christ, the Holy Spirit speaks—and you start paying closer attention. Maybe you feel that nudge when you’re about to say something unkind. Maybe you recognize conviction more quickly. Maybe you’ve stopped brushing off God’s voice and started obeying it.


💡 Virtue in Action: Humility (Proverbs 11:2) and Peace (Philippians 4:7)

✅ How to Recognize It:

You sense God redirecting your steps, and you follow.

You feel convicted more quickly and take steps to correct your actions.

You trust God's wisdom over your own, even when it doesn’t make sense.

👏🏾 Celebrate This Growth!

The Holy Spirit is leading, and you’re listening. That’s a sign of deepening faith. Keep walking in step with God!  
  

4. You Have More Peace, Even in Hard Seasons 

A tree with deep roots doesn’t panic when the weather changes. It knows where its source is. The same is true for us—when life throws storms our way, but we still trust God, still hold on, still stand firm—that’s growth.

💡 Virtue in Action: Peace (Philippians 4:7) and Faithfulness (1 Corinthians 4:2)

✅ How to Recognize It:

You don’t fall apart when trials come—you lean into God.

You no longer let worry control your mind—you rest in His promises.

You trust that God is working, even when you don’t understand.

👏🏾 Celebrate This Growth!

Your faith is stronger than your fears. You’re anchored. That’s the fruit of deep roots! 

5. You’re More Compassionate Toward Others 

When we’re rooted in Christ, we start seeing people the way He sees them. You forgive quicker. You extend grace more easily. You give love without conditions. That’s not just kindness—that’s the heart of God taking shape in you.  

💡 Virtue in Action: Love (John 13:34), Compassion (1 Peter 3:8), and Forgiveness (Proverbs 19:11)

✅ How to Recognize It:  

You forgive offenses faster than before.

You genuinely desire to serve and bless others.

You show love, even when it’s not easy. 

👏🏾 Celebrate This Growth!

Every time you choose love over bitterness, you reflect Jesus. That’s growth worth celebrating!  

Keep Growing, Keep Trusting 

Don’t let the enemy convince you that you’re not growing just because you’re not “there” yet. Growth is not about perfection—it’s about progress. And if you’re moving forward, even if it’s slow, you’re growing.

God is working beneath the surface, strengthening your roots, shaping your character, and preparing you for the fruit that’s coming. Keep seeking Him. Keep trusting. And keep celebrating every small step forward.

Because deep roots always bear fruit.

Reflection Questions for Your Growth Journey 

Where have you seen the most spiritual growth in your life recently?

How has your response to trials changed over time?

In what ways do you hear and respond to the Holy Spirit differently now than before?

Which virtue do you feel God is currently growing in you?

What steps can you take to continue deepening your ro

Affirmations for Spiritual Growth 

✦ I will trust God’s process, knowing He is growing me daily.

✦ I will celebrate the progress I have made, no matter how small.

✦ I will stay rooted in God’s Word, allowing it to shape my life.

✦ I will recognize and embrace the fruit of my spiritual growth.

✦ I will remain patient with myself, knowing transformation takes time

💡 Final Encouragement:

Growth is happening in you. Stay rooted, and let God continue His work. You’re bearing more fruit than you realize! 🌱✨