14 SIGNS THAT A PERSON IS SPIRITUALLY MATURE

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Spiritual maturity is the process of our spirit growing and getting matured. After it is born-again, it starts to grow and gets matured through the constant feeding of the Word of God which is a Spirit. John 6:63 says:

“It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.”

This is why our spirit gets matured. It is constantly fed by the Word of God that is a Spirit and that Spirit adds up to our spirit. When our spirit gets matured, its maturity does not only confine in itself, it also influences our soul (our mind, will and emotions). You became a mature person in mind, actions and character.

Being a spiritually mature person is just like being physically mature person. When you are an infant, you still don’t know how to stand on your two feet. But when you get mature, you know how to stand in the word of God. You learn how to walk with God (Gen. 5:24). Then you learn how to run. You became a teenager. And finally, you became an adult in the spirit. Just like our Lord Jesus Who grows in spirit, wisdom, and grace (Luke 2:40), this process applies to every believer as well.

Now, true spiritual maturity is not measured by the display of spiritual gifts. Gifts are given by God to us even if we are not yet spiritually mature. There are many gifted individuals in the Bible who performs miracles, signs and wonders (gifts) but are not spiritually mature. There are also many believers today who do not have these kinds of gifts but are spiritually mature. True spiritual maturity is seen in the change of heart, attitude and character of a person, reflecting a deeper alignment with God’s will in our lives.

Below are the 14 Biblical signs that a person is spiritually mature:

A spiritually mature person has moved beyond being carnal or living in the flesh. These people’s focus is no longer dominated by the desires of the flesh or materialistic pursuits. Carnality, which includes pursuit of material things, cares of this world, selfishness, envy and other fleshly tendencies, gradually diminishes. You no longer have the desire to become the wealthiest person on earth. You became contented in the material things and is hungry on the spiritual things. You now resist the impulses of the cares of this world and start to live by the Spirit (Galatians 5:16-17). You walk in alignment with the truth and no longer in the fleeting pleasures of the world.

Colossians 3:2 “Set your mind on things above, not on earthly things.”

You became hungry with the Word of God that feeds your sprit. You are not contented with your spiritual status and you don’t want to be stagnant on it. So your focus started to shift from material to spiritual matters. As you grow in Christ, material things lose their grip on you, and your focus becomes fulfilling God’s eternal purpose. This maturity allows a believer to live with a kingdom mindset, being conscious of God’s will and purpose rather than seeking validation or success by worldly standards.

A key sign of maturity is self-control. A spiritually mature person is no longer controlled by the flesh or impulses. As Paul says in 1 Corinthians 9:27, “I discipline my body and keep it under control.” They are able to govern their actions, thoughts, and desires in accordance with God’s word. They know how to take their thoughts into captivity and make it obedient with the Word of God (2 Cor. 10:5) This level of mastery reflects the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and the ability to live a life that is led by the Spirit rather than by fleshly desires. Self-control also leads to a deeper walk with God and demonstrates victory over habitual sin. And this is why a spiritually matured person doesn’t have habitual sin.

One of the hallmarks of spiritual maturity is being unoffended by God’s word, no matter how challenging or corrective it may be. Psalm 119:165 says, “Great peace have those who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble.” A mature believer embraces the truth of the Scripture, even when it requires personal change or correction. The Scripture becomes their food.

Because you are already “dead” to self, as Paul expresses in Galatians 2:20, “It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me,” you do not take offense when confronted with correction from the Word. You are open and humble enough to let the Spirit of God transform you through it. And you actually enjoy the Word of God.

A spiritually mature person welcomes correction. Proverbs 12:1 says, “Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but whoever hates correction is stupid.” When a believer is mature, they understand that correction is a tool for growth. When you receive correction comes from the Word, a mature believer humbly accepts it because they desire to grow closer to God and be refined into His likeness.

Mature believers are not easily rattled by controversies or disputes or those who question their faith. They do not avoid conflict, they are always ready to answer, but they also do not seek it unnecessarily. In 2 Timothy 2:23-24, Paul advises to “avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife. And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all.” A mature Christian remains calm, wise, and discerning during contentious situations, seeking resolution and peace rather than adding fuel to the fire.

One of the best signs that a person is spiritually mature is his/her ability to forgive without being asked. Only mature Christian can forgive because to forgive is only the attribute of a strong person. Immature and weak Christians cannot forgive. Just as Christ forgave us while we were still sinners (Romans 5:8), a mature Christian extends grace and forgiveness to others, even when an apology is not offered. True forgiveness reflects a heart that understands the magnitude of Christ’s forgiveness and passes that same mercy to others.

A mature believer is not frustrated by delays in God’s timing. They understand that God works in His own time and that waiting is often part of the process of maturity. Maturity and time always goes hand in hand. An impatient person is just like a child that is still immature. Isaiah 40:31 says, “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles.” This patience reflects a deep trust in God’s plan and an ability to wait on His perfect timing.

A sign of spiritual maturity is being more concerned with God’s approval than the opinions of men. Galatians 1:10 says, “If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.” A mature believer seeks to live for an audience of One—Christ alone. They do not seek validation from others but are secure in their identity in Christ. This is what true maturity is.

Matthew 23:11 says, “The greatest among you shall be your servant.” An immature Christian cannot serve others. To serve others is only the attribute of the mature ones. They understand that true greatness in the Kingdom of God is about serving others. Rather than seeking personal gain or recognition, a mature believer seeks ways to serve God and others selflessly. Their prayer is not “What can God do for me?” but “What can I do for God?” Service becomes an outward expression of their love for the Lord and others.

A spiritually mature person is full of the Word of God. You know the Bible. You study it, meditate on it, and live by it. When opportunities arise to share the Word, they do so because they are already full of it. They can give the Word because they are full of Word. Colossians 3:16 says, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.” This overflow is a sign that the Word of God is not just something they read but something they live and breathe.

A mature Christian is marked by peace. Philippians 4:7 talks about “the peace of God, which transcends all understanding.” No matter what external circumstances arise, a spiritually mature person remains calm and composed. They know how to handle drama and conflict without becoming overwhelmed or reactive. This peace stems from their strong foundation in the Word of God and a deep relationship with Him.

As believers grow spiritually, their focus shifts from self to others. True spiritual maturity is reflected in compassion and concern for others, just as Christ cared for humanity. Mature Christians find themselves burdened for others, not just for their physical needs but for their spiritual well-being as well. They are the ones who are moved to tears not because of what they have done, but because they feel they haven’t done enough for others.

The ultimate proof of a spiritually matured Christian is seen in the fruit of the Spirit. Galatians 5:22-23 outlines love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Once a tree becomes fully mature, fruits started to come out. As believers grow in Christ, these fruits become evident in their lives. They are not just outward signs but internal transformations that reflect the work of the Holy Spirit within.

Spiritual maturity is not a destination but a continuous journey of growth in Christ. It is about deepening your relationship with God, transforming your character, and aligning your life with His purposes. It’s not measured by gifts, talents, or knowledge but by an inward transformation that reflects Christ. True maturity is about becoming more like Christ in every area of life, showing His love, grace, and truth to others. By embodying the signs above, believers reflect their progress in this spiritual journey.