In his second letter, written to Christians, the apostle Peter is exhorting them to supplement their faith with seven characteristics that are beneficial to Godly living. He says, “Make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love.” (2 Peter 1:5-7).
Peter gives sound reason for doing this. “Make every effort,” means it is of utmost importance to apply these characteristics to your faith. The results will be a more effective witness and service for God. Christian characteristics are produced by the Holy Spirit and not through human self-effort.
Peter explains what will happen when these characteristics supplement faith. “For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 1:8). No true child of God should ever think of being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of Christ.
More of His holy will discern;
Spirit of God, my teacher be,
Showing the things of Christ to me.
— Eliza E Hewitt
Peter also lists the negative consequences that result when believers lack these virtues. “For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins.” (2 Peter 1:9). A Christian should always be aware, being “in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold the new has come.” (2 Corinthians 5:17). Wonderful and glorious thoughts.
William MacDonald writes as follows: “Verses 3 and 4 show that God has given us all that is necessary for the divine life. Because He has, we must be diligent in cultivating it. God does not make us holy against our will or without our involvement. There must be desire, determination, and discipline on our part.” (Believer’s Bible Commentary p. 2288).
The first characteristic is virtue, which basically means “strength and courage” or “moral excellence.” Virtue is one of the most essential characteristics to have as Christians. Perhaps a spiritual application could be having strength or courage to firmly stand for what will bring glory and honor to God, regardless of external pressure.
The second characteristic is knowledge. We are now living in the “information age.” So much knowledge is required today than ever before. And so much knowledge is readily available. In His last message to Daniel, God said, “Many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase.” (Daniel 12:4). The evidence is all around us today. However, Biblical knowledge is a must for Christians and will be obtained by devoting time and attention to the study of God’s Word. “Study to show thyself approved unto God.” (2 Timothy 2:15 KJV).
The third characteristic is self-control. Self-control is one of the graces of the fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22,23). Self-control translates into self-discipline and self-restraint, which means having the awareness and ability to manage our emotions. Especially when it comes to desires, and feelings that require that require a definite course of action.
The fourth characteristic is Steadfastness. Being steadfast means to be highly devoted and unchanging. Steadfastness is to persevere in spite of distractions, uncertainty, and set-backs. Let us be like Paul who declared: “I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:14).
The fifth characteristic is Godliness. Godliness means “Godlikeness.” A Godly person is someone who is wholly dedicated to God, and endeavoring to conform to God’s Word in thought and practice. A Godly person has reverence for God and lives a life of holiness and purity in a Godless world. A Spirit-control mindset leads to thoughtfulness and kindness in today’s society where many are self-centered and conceited.
The sixth characteristic is Brotherly affection. Brotherly affection means brotherly kindness. The main ingredient of brotherly affection is love. The Lord Jesus said, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another . . . By this all people will know you are my disciples if you have love for one another.” (John 13:34,35). Peter exhorts us “Above all keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.” (1 Peter 4:8). Christians must be willing to demonstrate love for each other, which unites us in our love for God.
The seventh characteristic is Love. Love is one of nine graces of the fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22,23). Paul says “Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth.” (1 Corinthians13:4-6). Love is an “action” word. Paul concludes, “So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” (1 Cor. 13:13).
Jesus Christ is our greatest example of love. He said, “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” (John 14:13). He loved us unconditionally; even to the point of shedding his blood for us. “Christ loved the Church and gave himself up for her.” (Ephesians 5:25). And this is the reason we are His, and He is ours for time and all eternity.