A word study in 2 Peter 1:5-11
“But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge…..to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness…..to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love.”
(2 Peter 1:5-7).
These seven attributes that are to be added to a Christian’s faith—appropriately labeled as Christian graces—give us a picture of a maturing process that is to take place in the life of every child of God. In the past eight weeks, we have explored the definitions and applications of each of these attributes.
The beginning point in this process is a solid faith without which we have no basis for a relationship with God. Having that relationship, we add these seven attributes, a building process that will make us a better Christian and will bring us closer to God.
As we develop these attributes, we reach the pinnacle of what God would have us to be: a person whose guiding motivation is love—certainly love for each other but also a devoted love for God that keeps us solidly on the path He has set for His children.