Levels of Consecration: How Far Will You Go?

You know that verse in Luke 6:28? “Pray for those who despitefully use you.” Yeah, that one. That’s one of those Scriptures that sounds simple when you read it quickly—but when life actually puts you in that position, it hits very differently. It’s not just about being nice or choosing kindness. This is a command that goes straight to the core of your walk with God. It challenges your pride, your pain, and your desire for justice. Nobody wants to be used, much less despitefully used—which means someone went out of their way to take advantage of you or hurt you. And yet, Jesus still says: pray for them.Not block them, not cuss them out in your head, not build a case against them—pray. That’s deep. It forces you to ask: How serious am I about following Christ, even when it costs me something personal?

Let’s talk levels, because this Christian walk really does feel like a leveling system sometimes. Not like a video game, but in real life—where the challenges get harder as you grow, and God keeps inviting you deeper. Think about it: in the early stages of your walk, it might be something small, like forgiving a friend who forgot your birthday. But as you grow, the tests get more personal. Maybe a coworker takes credit for your work and you have to smile through it. Or your family member keeps disrespecting your boundaries, and you feel God nudging you not to lash out. Or maybe it’s church hurt—someone in ministry using you, manipulating you, even lying on you—and God still says, pray for them.

And for many women, the tests show up right in the heart of our relationships. Maybe you’re a mom, doing everything you can, and your child still lashes out, blames you, or rebels. Or maybe your spouse says something careless that cuts deep, and instead of clapping back, the Holy Spirit whispers, “Love covers. Stay soft.” Or a close friend you confided in suddenly becomes distant—or worse, talks behind your back. Every one of those moments is a test. A level. A spiritual checkpoint. Do you harden your heart, or do you grow through it?

Each situation reveals something. Do you react or respond? Do you defend yourself or stay quiet and let God fight for you? Do you root for karma or truly pray for their healing and well-being? That’s where the levels come in. The more surrendered you are, the higher the level—and the harder the test. But also, the deeper the peace. Because when you start passing these tests, something shifts. You’re no longer living for applause or revenge. You’re living for an audience of One. And that’s when the Christian walk becomes something real, something rich—something only grace can carry you through.

So how do you know where you are in all this? Let me put it this way—we can think of spiritual growth in levels, and how we handle being “despitefully used” is one of the clearest ways to measure it. Here’s how it often plays out:

• Level 1: You get used, you’re hurt, and after a while (or maybe right away), you obey the Word - and pray. That’s obedience and it’s the foundation.
• Level 2: You didn’t see it coming, but once it hits, you immediately choose to pray and not pay it back. That takes some spiritual muscle.
• Level 3: You do see it coming, brace for it, and you let it happen anyway—then you pray. That’s next-level grace and surrender.
• Level 4: You go through all that and don’t even hold a grudge. No bitterness, no long internal monologue about it. Just peace. That’s rare air. That’s when you’re walking like Jesus did.

Now, let’s be real—most of us don’t wake up living at Level 4. Some days we bounce between levels depending on the situation, our mood, or how deep we’ve been sitting with God. And that’s okay—as long as we’re moving. What matters is the direction of your heart. Are you content staying at Level 1 because it’s comfortable? Or are you pressing forward, even when it’s painful? Don’t wait to find out which level “counts” for heaven. And honestly? I don’t want to find out the hard way. It’s not about perfection—it’s about intention. That’s why I keep pressing. Not out of fear, but out of love. I want to please God. God sees your effort, your struggle, your desire to please Him even when it costs you something. So keep growing. Keep leveling up. It’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it. And let me just say: Even Level 4 isn’t a finish line. If you camp there too long and stop growing, the enemy’s gonna look for a way in. He’s busy, and he’s subtle. And remember: grace is available at every stage—but spiritual laziness? God has never been a fan of that.

So if any of this makes you pause and think, “Wow, I’ve been stuck,” then good. That’s God nudging you forward.

Let’s Pray:

Lord, You see every corner of my heart—the places where I’m still growing, still hurting, still struggling to obey You fully. Help me not to settle for surface-level faith. Give me the grace to rise above offense, to pray even when I’m hurting, and to love even when I’m being used. I don’t want to stay stuck at Level 1. I want to grow, to reflect You more deeply, and to walk in the kind of surrender that brings You joy. Teach me how to forgive quickly, let go completely, and trust You with every injustice. And when I fail, remind me that Your mercy meets me where I am—but that Your Spirit also calls me higher. Keep my heart soft, my motives pure, and my feet moving forward. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Reflection Question:

When was the last time I chose obedience over offense—and what level of consecration was I really walking in?

Journaling Prompt:

Write about a time when someone despitefully used you. How did you respond emotionally, spiritually, and practically? What would you do differently now, knowing what you know about these “levels” of consecration?