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2 Peter 1:7b
In each of these seven qualities described by the Apostle Peter is a role played by each that is required for the next; first of all we must keep in mind that we are to seek these seven qualities with all diligence – a steady, earnest, energetic effort with persevering application as defined by Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary and Thesaurus. In 2 Peter chapter 1 we learn that we should add to our faith virtue (moral excellence) which describes a proper faith in Christ Jesus. To virtue knowledge, which is required to gain moral excellence. To knowledge self-control which is the governor of the knowledge – without self-control, knowledge can be reckless and harmful. To self-control perseverance which helps us to maintain self-control in spite of the difficulties that we will face throughout our lives. To perseverance godliness which is required to overcome the sinful nature of this world. To godliness brotherly kindness which is the reflection of godliness in Christ Jesus. And to brotherly kindness (today’s lesson) we should add love which is what ties it all together in God through salvation in Christ Jesus. 1 John 4:8 (NKJV) states, “He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.” And 1 John 4:16 states, “And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him.”
This is a command to add love to our lives in Christ Jesus.
We all have love for someone or something – God put it in our hearts to draw us to Him in the search for true love that is only found in Christ Jesus and is the only love that will truly fill that longing in our hearts that continues to drive us in our search for fulfillment. You may say that because of the words found in 1 John 4:8, 16 that because you have a love for someone or something that you have salvation, but I would ask you, “Do you feel a love that is comforting in the guidance of God through His Holy Spirit that is fulfilling in all aspects of life, or do you feel a love that is compelling you to conviction of your sins that is calling you to repentance and to seek the forgiveness of Christ Jesus that will give you salvation?” If the latter is the case with you, ask Jesus into your heart today to forgive you of your sins and you will be saved if you believe in Him.
Dear LORD,
These seven qualities that we have been studying lead us to love, which leads us to Your great love in sending Your one and only Son Jesus to save the world from sin. Please help us to see that we need to open our hearts to Jesus in repentance and seek His forgiveness to truly experience Your love in our hearts and in our lives – for eternity – in Christ. Please help us to do so today. In Jesus name I pray, amen.