For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love.
2 Peter 1:5-7
Peter brings us to the summit, and it is not what we might expect. Not knowledge. Not discipline. Not even endurance. He brings us to love.
Because everything has been moving here all along.
Brotherly affection says, “You belong.” And love expands our affection outward. Love says, “I will give myself for your good.” The kind of love described in 1 Corinthians 13.
Not convenient love. Not selective love. Not love that responds only when it is easy or deserved. We are to exhibit a love that reflects Christ. Love actively moving toward others, sacrificing for others, and remaining faithful to others. The kind of love Christ demonstrated at the cross.
To live selflessly, to love intentionally, and to do so instinctively is the fullness of Christian maturity.
Not knowledge alone.
Not discipline alone.
Not even community alone.
But love.
Because love is the clearest reflection of Christ in us.
Lord, we confess how often our love is limited and conditional. Thank You for loving us first and fully through Christ. Teach us to love others with patience, sacrifice, and sincerity. We surrender selfishness and ask You to form Your love within us.
Marked by Love,
eep
