christian virtues

2 Peter 1:5-7


⁵For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; ⁶and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; ⁷and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love.

this passage gives us an explanation as to why we should and how to improve our lives-- to grow upon those christian virtues. because God has shown us grace and mercy through His son, we are set out to live by these characteristics. once we realize that it is only through accepting Christ that we are saved, commit to goodness. to me, this means high quality. as consumers, we're always demanding high quality products.. those are the most successful products because they're the best. in that same aspect, let's strive for goodness, or high quality within our christian virtues. to add onto that, knowledge. knowledge of the bible.. knowledge of God's words.. this will help us achieve the high quality status. in addition, self-control. i can go on and on about this one. in terms of integrity-- learn how to say no. "i know it's bad but i can't help it" is not a legit excuse in God's eyes.. He's a jealous God and His heart gets broken every time we give in and say "yes." behavioral wise-- patience is key. 1 chorinthians 13 states that love is patient. God is also patient; therefore, we should reflect upon Him and portray patience when we're dealt with difficult situations. perseverance-- look up 1 corinthians 9:24. don't look back. instead, keep your eyes on the prize. our prize = reunion with our Father in Heaven. godliness. obey His commands and keep in mind WWJD?! second to the last-- brotherly kindness. loving our families, best friends, worst enemies, churches.. and just everyone else around, even though he/she is not like you or me. and this leads to our final one. love. what it all comes down to is that we should love. that's what Jesus did and that's what He has called us to do.