12 Signs of Spiritual Growth

Sep 1, 2021 filed under Faith, Humility, Living Virtue, Trust.

Number 12 in flowers

A reader sent the following “signs of spiritual growth” that she got from a 12-step-program buddy. The list is a fun way to remember that it’s not situations themselves that are frustrating, disappointing, or hopeless. It’s our response to them that disturbs us.

No denying that a great disappointment hurts. But it’s our response that determines our choice to either calmly trust God and wait for the blessing that comes out of it, or to turn our back on God—and on our own happiness in that moment!

When I read the list, I notice some things I’ve made progress on and others that still need some prayer and effort. Reading #4 makes me smile because I do have a habit of thanking God all the time — when I discover a piece of chocolate in the back of the cupboard when I thought I was out, and also when I run out of toner in the middle of printing. I just know God doesn’t waste anything pleasant or unpleasant and he doesn’t want me to, either.

Hope this list helps you do a little spiritual inventory, too. And to celebrate what God has accomplished in you!

Scroll down and type the number of the one you’ve seen the most change in.
Love always,
Rose

12 Signs of Spiritual Growth

1. An increased tendency to let things happen rather than make them happen.
2. Frequent attacks of smiling.
3. Feelings of being connected with others and God.
4. Frequent overwhelming episodes of appreciation.
5. A tendency to act spontaneously based on faith rather than fears.
6. An unmistakable ability to enjoy each moment.
7. A loss of ability to worry.
8. A loss of interest in conflict.
9. A loss of interest in interpreting the actions of others.
10. A loss of interest in judging others.
11. A loss of interest in judging self.
12. Gaining the ability to love without expecting anything in return.

Did someone say “appreciation”? A 3-min video on how I received the gift of gratitude, even in the midst of pain.

20 Responses to “12 Signs of Spiritual Growth”

  1. Merle

    Thank you, Rose, for sharing.
    You helped me to open to more of God’s Grace. You are appreciated! God bless.

  2. Jeanne Martinez

    Love your video…and in one way or another I identify with all 12…life keeps you busy in physical happening and spiritual ones

  4. Linda Hartzell

    Rose
    Thank you for the video clip. The thought of “climbing onto Christ’s cross” in difficult times is an image that will remain with me.

    My biggest area of spiritual growth is #6-an unmistakable ability to enjoy each moment. I often feel overwhelmed with gratitude to God for the beauty of nature, my grandsons’ hugs, the sound of my mother’s voice when I call her, and the steadfast love of my husband. Praise God.

    Linda

  5. Fran

    I love all 12 signs, but feeling connected to God and others(#3) sustains me, gives me satisfaction, appreciation of life and hope for eternal life when God chooses to call me home!

  9. Mimi

    Suffering – the tinder with which to start the fire of holy love between creature and Creator. When lacking, we are not being operated upon to please Him more and lose celestial commerce – the pushing of ourselves to make all efforts for being in His Will, to please Him more, reaching to Him for what is lacking, imploring His Mercy to provide new graces and heavenly favors.

  10. Mimi

    May the Lord be always blessed for granting us invitations to suffer for Him.

  11. JoanneMarie Hayes

    #1 Hopeing all things will come to me in a sign I am wishful thinking I am expecting alot.I want things to come my way. I like things spontaneance

  12. JoanneMarie Hayes

    JoanneMarie
    #1 I guess I like things spontanence waiting for things to happen instead of being soimpatient

  13. Victoria

    #12
    I am working on all the others!
    Thank you for posting this list, I will keep it and refer to it frequently!

  14. Emily

    Many of the 12 have been in my life for quite some time but I never thought anything about it being spiritual growth. I still need much work on #7. I know worry gets me no where but it is one part of my life that the evil one targets to keep me off balance. I continue to pray in those cases for I know when I pray, Jesus makes the evil one leave me. Thank you Rose for sharing such uplifting messages.

  15. Judith Dihel

    I have experienced a huge increase in smiling, and filled with the most joy I have ever experienced. Especially at Church when speaking or being around other members their is a connection that is unexplainable. I also feel a strong sense of being myself, which is something I have been battling for quite awhile. God has helped me break free from the stronghold and control of others and I feel like myself once again. No greater feeling. I also can see him working and orchestrating the events of each day. I found the closer I draw to him the more easily he guides me. I have never felt such joy in my life even during periods of struggle.

    • Rose Folsom

      Judith,
      Your description of living in the FREEDOM of the children of God is inspiring! And I’m delighted to welcome you to Virtue Circle. You’ll receive an email very soon with next steps — see you on zoom next Sunday!
      Rose

  16. Patricia Brophy

    Thanks Rose ! I’m blessed with feeling connected to God & others more . I’m also blessed with not being worried as in past times. I turn my any fears into prayers. I do have episodes of appreciation more often.
    Rose I like your video on suffering too. I’m reading Jeff Cavins book on Suffering. Years ago I learned of our beloved Pope John Paul ll ‘s teaching on the matter. I put it into practice & am sooo blessed for doing so . God is sooo good !!! Learning of this teaching is better than finding a gold mine ! We’re sooo truly blessed by Our Lord who’s given us this gift . Words can’t describe . Truly it is Heavenly treasure!!! Thanks for all your teachings Rose & your prayers & God Bless you! ❤️

  19. Mary Anderson

    Thanks Rose for the 12 signs of spiritual growth. I recognize that I’ve grown in many of them ,however I still need the grace to grow in a few more. I will use these as a sort of exam or marker and strive to grow in all 12 areas!
    Sometimes we can’t see our own spiritual growth so this will as was super helpful!
    😊