For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins. 2 Peter 1:5-9
Peter says that we have been given (by God and through His Divine power) everything we need to live this life in a godly way. In doing so we participate in the divine nature. Having said that, he implores us to do our part. We are to add (or better yet, respond) to God’s great love and grace by making the effort. The effort is to let the character of God flow into and from our lives. This includes His goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, mutual affection and the capstone: love!
Its a pretty easy gig, really.
How am I doing? Would others say these are the qualities that mark my life? If they are, am I effective, productive for the Lord? Am I making an eternal difference? I think I am.
God, You have done it all. My part is so easy, and yet I even mess that up occasionally (maybe more than I know). I am grateful. Today I will look for opportunities to let You flow into my life and through me to love other people. I am ready, because You have made me ready. Thank you for doing Your part!
