March 21st Daily Devotion

20 Feb March 21st Daily Devotion

 A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON PETER’S SECOND LETTER  

VIRTUES OF FAITH

2 Peter 1:5-9 “For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness;  and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love.  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. But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins.”

St. Peter continues in today’s devotional verses his discussion of living a godly life.  These verses are a list of virtues that flow out of you being united with Christ.  When it is no longer you but Christ who lives in you impacting how you live, Philippians 1:21 (part of yesterday’s devotion), your life will parallel the life Jesus lived here on this earth. Goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, mutual affection, and love are all godly virtues or qualities Jesus possessed.  Through Him you also have them.

St. Peter does not write it was his wish for his Christian audience to manifest these virtues.  No, he exhorts, strongly urges and encourages that their lives will incorporate these virtues.  Having faith in Christ produces fruit.  By the power of the Holy Spirit living in you, working through God’s Word and the sacraments, He guides and leads you through your faith to live your life manifesting goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, mutual affection, and love.

Jesus exhorted, “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. ^‘Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.’” (Matthew 5:14-16)

What you do in your relationship with Jesus reflects the love of God.  Afterall, Jesus said, “You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last.” (John 15:16) Whatever you do to the lowest person, Jesus says, you do it to Him. (Matthew 25:40)

Prayer:  Holy Spirit, fill my heart with Christian virtues . . . In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Love in Christ is strong and living, Binding faithful hearts in one;

Love in Christ is true and giving May His will in us be done.

Love is patient and forbearing, Clothed in Christ’s humility,

Gentle, selfless, kind and caring, Reaching out in charity.

Love in Christ abides forever, Fainting not when ills attend;

Love, forgiving and forgiven, Shall endure until life’s end.

(LSB 704)