In the Lesson this week in II Peter 1:2-8 there is a list of important godly characteristics in which to imbibe – one trait building upon the next. I looked each of these words up in the 1828 Webster’s Dictionary to help me think more deeply about how I can better express each one:
Grace and peace are multiplied unto you – “For His divine power hath given us all things that pertain to life” This is what God’s grace has given unto you when you love and obey Him.
Diligence – steady application in business of any kind
Faith – entire confidence or trust in God and the doctrines of Christ with unreserved surrender of the will to his guidance
Virtue- practice of moral duties from sincere love of God and His laws
Knowledge – a clear and certain perception of that which exists or of truth
Temperance – moderation in all things
Patience – confident expectancy of good; a calm temper which bears evil without murmuring and discontent (something the Children of Israel needed!!)
Godliness – living in obedience to God’s commands from a principle of love to Him and His laws
Brotherly kindness – that disposition which delights in contributing to the happiness of others
Charity- supreme love to God and universal good will to men: that disposition of heart which inclines men to think favorably of their fellow men and to do them good
Of course the basis of this all is to love more divinely, to get self out of the way and let God’s will and plan unfold – and the promise is that you shall neither be “barren or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” What better promise could there be?