THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SPIRITUAL EXPERIENCE AND SPIRITUAL GROWTH

When a person has a spiritual experience, it may be a single event or a series of events throughout a lifetime. These experiences inspire spiritual growth. When a person has a spiritual experience, it may happen unexpectedly and without any preparation. It may occur in a private or a public setting, it may occur at a specific time or event, it typically involves a sense of awe or a connection with Christ, and it usually involves powerful emotions.

Spiritual experiences may involve an encounter with God/Jesus/the Holy Spirit where the person realizes this is not typical but miraculous! It will involve wonder, heightened awareness, transcendence, a closeness to the Divine, greater inner peace, and an inspiration to share with others. Some people will experience an extraordinary benediction, and it has the power to change their life. Other people may experience the same but don’t feel a transformation in their life; they may go on as before and return to their natural patterns and habits. Both are normal.

Spiritual growth typically occurs throughout a lifetime. It reflects changes in one’s behavior, relationships, attitudes, or priorities. It also typically involves intentional changes, such as time for reflection, time for prayer and meditation, reading the Bible, and practicing continued peace.

So, spiritual growth is a gradual change in a person’s inner life. It deepens their patterns of relationships, priorities, honesty, gratitude, and awareness of their personal responsibilities. 

Spiritual experiences are typically moments of increased awareness, a connection with the Lord, or transcendence. Whereas spiritual growth can continue throughout a lifetime. Both are wondrous!

In His hands we live, shalom–shalom!