2 Peter 1:5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; 1:6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;
Our journey begins with faith. Faith is the foundation upon which our spiritual life is built. It is through faith that we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. However, faith is not a static state; it is dynamic and calls for growth. Peter urges us to build on this foundation by adding virtue.
Peter’s exhortation to “make every effort” speaks to the necessity of diligence. Diligence is a persistent effort, a dedication to the tasks at hand. In our spiritual lives, this means actively seeking to grow and develop our relationship with God. Diligence is not a passive endeavor; it requires intentionality and perseverance.
The first quality Peter asks us to add to our faith is virtue, also translated as goodness or moral excellence. Virtue represents the character and actions that reflect God’s nature. It is not enough to simply have faith; our faith must be evident in our actions. Virtue is the outward manifestation of our inner faith. It is living a life that honors God, characterized by integrity, kindness, and righteousness.
To virtue, Peter instructs us to add knowledge. Knowledge of God and His word is crucial for living a virtuous life. It is through understanding His teachings and commandments that we know how to live rightly.
Diligence in studying the Bible, in prayer, and in seeking God’s wisdom is essential. Knowledge without virtue can lead to pride, and virtue without knowledge can be misguided. Together, they form a solid foundation for a godly life.
When we diligently pursue virtue, our lives are transformed. We begin to reflect Christ more clearly to those around us. Our actions, driven by our faith and knowledge of God, become a testimony of His love and power.
The world is in desperate need of witnessing true Christian virtue, and it is through our diligent pursuit of it that we can be a light in the darkness.
How do we apply this in our daily lives? First, commit to regular Bible study and prayer, seeking to grow in knowledge and understanding of God’s will. Second, examine your actions and attitudes, asking God to help you align them with His standards of virtue. Third, be intentional in your efforts, recognizing that growth in these areas requires persistence and effort.
In conclusion, let us make every effort to grow in our faith, adding to it the qualities that reflect God’s character. By doing so, we not only strengthen our relationship with God but also become powerful witnesses of His transformative power.
God bless you.
Prayer key:
1. Lord, thank you for the blessing of your word today in Jesus Christ name.
2. Lord, grant me the strength and, commitment to live in diligence and good virtue in Jesus Christ name.
3. Lord, help me to grow in faith in all I do in Jesus Christ name.
4. Thank you Lord for answered prayers in Jesus Christ name. Amen.
Brighter Life Ministry 