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
Adding to our faith, how do we do this?
Let’s unpack this scripture.
First of all we are told in this scripture to make every effort! We will have to work for it. it doesn’t always come easy.
We must put in a good effort in order to see the fruit. This, of course, comes from reading your Bible and praying to God. Both of these should be done daily. This is important.
Seek God’s Holy Word.
So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Romans 10:17
For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
Hebrews 4:12
Goodness; to have virtue, honor and merit.
And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.
Galatians 6:9-10
Knowledge; to have expertness, skill and proficiency.
The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out.
Proverbs 18:15
Self Control; to have composure, restraint and discipline.
A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls.
Proverbs 25:28
Perseverance; to have persistence, resolve and endurance.
“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.”
James 1:12
Godliness; to be devout and morally upright.
But godliness with contentment is great gain.
1 Timothy 6:6
Mutual affection; to have respect, love and friendship.
Be devoted to each other with mutual affection. Excel at showing respect for each other.
Romans 12:10
Love; to adore, have deep affection and devotion.
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
John 3:16
We should seek to possess these qualities in order to live effective and productive lives.
When hard times hit, we’ll be amply prepared.
The psalmist wrote, “But as for me, it is good to be near God.” Psalm 73:28
When we walk close to God, He carry’s our heavily loaded burden.
Walking in the fullness of what God has and obtaining these qualities, takes a lot of time in His word and his presence.
It’s absolutely worth the time!
Many Blessing’s,
Connie