2 Peter 3:18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.

There is a difference between grace and knowledge, that is why the division word “and” was used.

Grace is an application word similar to salve that is applied to a wound. This is not something that can be taught. It has to be experienced.

Colossians 4:6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.

Here Paul makes reference to seasoning with salt which we all know was part of Jesus’ sermon on the mount. Reference Matthew 5:13

Paul was not one of Jesus’ disciples at that time. How did Paul know about this seasoning by gracious speech? All we have to do is read about the transition of Saul into Paul to see that he did not instantly change into his new role as a servant of the Most High.

Galatians 1:17-19 English Standard Version

17 nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia, and returned again to Damascus.

18 Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas and remained with him fifteen days. 19 But I saw none of the other apostles except James the Lord’s brother.

Paul’s service to the Lord did not even begin until three years after his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus. Here we are so many years after being born again and we must ask ourselves if in fact we have grown in grace over time. If the answer is yes, then apply that salve to those who have just received the Lord and heal them of their wounds before putting them to work.

I did not know myself just how broken I was for a time. If that is true of me, it could be true of others. I have been at this for decades and I am still growing in grace. Knowledge, not so much.

What hinders us from growing in grace? Maybe it is the company we keep.

Hebrews 12:1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,

Hint; “let us also”.