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Growth toward spiritual maturity is a major goal of the Christian life, and the love that fuels belonging relationships is essential for growth to happen.
Christ’s death and resurrection make belonging possible (Eph. 2-4). The barriers between humans and God and between humans has been removed through the shedding of the blood of Christ unto death on the cross. Forgiveness removes barriers and heals relationships.
A major result of Christ’s death and resurrection is growth toward spiritual and emotional maturity, and love is the energy that fuels belonging and growth. This truth is demonstrated by Paul’s relationship to the Philippians (Phil. 1:3-11).
Paul says he is convinced that God not only has begun a good work in their hearts but that he “will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ,” and Paul is confident of this because he has them in his heart (he loves them).