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Maturing as Believers - 8

 

We are looking at what it means to grow spiritually as a believer. We looked at the foundation of the Christian life that must be faith in Jesus Christ. Then we must add virtue or courage as the word is defined, and then knowledge of God. Then we learned temperance or self-control, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, and charity.

So, the last virtue listed here is charity.

2 Peter 1:5  And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; 

2 Peter 1:6  And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; 

2 Peter 1:7  And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. 

We are to love the brethren, as we are told in the preceding virtue of brotherly kindness. That virtue is talking about love for our brothers and sisters in Christ. We add to that virtue of brotherly kindness, charity. I think that means we show love to the lost, those who have never come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. 

The virtue of charity is fulfilling the great commission given to us by Jesus in Matthew 28:18 - And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 

Matthew 28:19  Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 

Matthew 28:20  Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. 

There is a promise and a caution added in II Peter chapter one, promises for adding to our faith and warnings if we neglect or fail to grow as commanded. We will look at the promise in the next devotional.