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2 Peter 1:8-9
Peter says that if these things (virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love) “are yours and abound” (2 Peter 1:8), you will have knowledge in Christ Jesus and you will be “fruitful” in Him. Peter goes on to tell us in verse 9 that one who does not possess these things is “shortsighted” and he even compares them to one who is blind and has forgotten that Jesus has cleansed him from his sins.
This is an example of the qualities that are found in, as the Apostle Peter states, “those who have obtained like precious faith with us by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 1:1b, NKJV).
Many people claim to be a Christian, and many people claim to believe in Jesus, but if we really do, these seven qualities that the Apostle Peter teaches us about should be evident in our lives. Don’t get me wrong; these seven qualities are things that a Christian should be striving to portray in their life as in a “always seeking to reflect and become better at reflecting” as we grow in our relationship with our Savior Jesus. But I believe that is what the Apostle Peter is trying to get us to see in this block of lessons about these seven qualities – that it is important to one who is striving to reflect Jesus in their life, to also reflect these seven qualities that are reflective of the new life in Christ Jesus.
Dear LORD,
For one to possess these seven qualities; virtue, knowledge in Christ Jesus, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love, one must first open their heart to Jesus and invite Him in to cleanse their heart from sin, and in doing so will be filled with Your Holy Spirit – the Teacher, who will be their guide to grasping and applying these seven qualities in their life as they grow and develop as a believer – a new creation in Christ Jesus. Thank You for sending Your Son Jesus to save the world from sin that all who will believe in Him will be saved from the sinful nature of this world. In Jesus name I pray, amen.