Sanctification

The real transformation in Beauty and the Beast begins when the Beast realizes that Beauty loves him, just as he is—rough edges and all. Only then does he truly start to change from the inside out.

The Apostle Paul’s story echoes a similar truth. It’s only when we realize that God loves us right in the middle of our messiness that real change starts happening in us. Paul calls this process sanctification. It’s that second step of salvation where the rough parts of who we are start getting smoothed out. It’s not quick, and it’s definitely not painless.

See, a part of us clings to our old ways, just like the Beast had a strange attachment to his tusks and fur. It’s hard to let go, and many folks give up before they even get started. Even those who stick it out tend to stumble through it, one foot dragging behind the other.

But here’s the good news: change doesn’t come from working harder. It comes from trusting deeper. As God’s grace keeps working on us, we start to notice shifts. The forgiven become forgiving. The healed become healers. The loved become loving. And the heavy lifting? That’s on God. Paul says the end result is eternal life—one step closer, one day at a time.

Dig Deep…Keep Going.