2 Peter 1

“(5) For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; (6) and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; (7) and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. (8) 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.” What an awesome message and guide for our lives.

First we start with faith, knowing what is not seen. Then we add goodness, the kind, beneficial, caring part of us. Next, we add knowledge, reading the Bible, learning about God and Jesus. Then, we add self-control, showing restraint over our sinful impulses. Next we add perseverance, enduring hardships to see our goal. Then we add godliness, following the example of Jesus Christ and being more like Him. Next we add brotherly kindness, caring and being good to our fellow humans. Then, we add love, genuine concern and feeling for others. And finally, we gain these qualities in an ever increasing abundance and we will be extremely effective and productive for Jesus Christ.

Lord please help us to do just that, to follow Your word and be effective, productive servants of Your will, and bring You glory and honor. Amen.