Daily Devotions
The Christian Graces
Title: The Christian Graces
Reading for November 13: Acts 4-5
Weekly reading for November 11-17: 2 Peter & Jude
For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Peter 1:8
Faith, virtue, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, godliness, brotherly affection, and love.
We call these qualities the Christian graces. Peter says we should add these to our character because we have been called to Christ's own glory and excellence. By God's promises, we have the ability to escape the corruption of the world and become partakers of the divine nature. That should motivate us to "make every effort" to add these.
But are we doing that? Are we really adding them? Or, do we feel that we've arrived somehow? Do we feel that we've got enough virtue, enough knowledge, enough self-control, etc.?
Look back over this list and ask yourself honestly if you have grown in each of these areas in the last year or even the last five years. If not, will you please pray with me...
Father, forgive us for being cool and indifferent toward your call! Forgive us of pride! Help us to be inspired to press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call you've given us in Christ Jesus!
