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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, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, 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 if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins. Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

Commentary:

Through the many trials of being a Christian, it is not unusual to feel lacking in your faith. However, the Apostle Paul has given us an excellent “strategic plan” for the Christian life. Many of us are often envious of the love and compassion of dedicated Christians. How do they do it under such adversity? Notice that in Paul’s plan, love only comes after a long road of self-improvement. Starting with our faith in Christ, it includes, among other things, knowledge (of the Word), perseverance, the empowerment of the Holy Spirit and the assumption of Christ-like qualities (e.g., a changed life).