Faith without religion.
Virtues of Faith: Courage, Knowledge, and Love
In a recent teaching, we delved into the profound words of 2nd Peter, exploring the virtues that believers are encouraged to cultivate. The passage begins with a reminder of the “exceeding great and precious promises” given to us, allowing us to partake in the divine nature and escape worldly corruption. Peter urges us to diligently add to our faith a series of virtues: virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, and charity. These attributes, he suggests, are not meant to be developed in a strict sequence but rather cultivated together, enriching our spiritual lives.
The teaching emphasized the importance of “manliness” or valor, a term rooted in the Greek word “arete,” which speaks to courage and strength. This concept, while historically tied to a patriarchal context, is presented as a call for believers to embody bravery and zeal in their faith journey. The discussion also touched on the significance of knowledge, not just as an intellectual pursuit but as a deep, spiritual understanding of God and Jesus Christ, which is essential for eternal life.
Peter’s message is clear: possessing these virtues in abundance ensures that we are neither barren nor unfruitful in our knowledge of Christ. This fruitfulness is ultimately expressed through love, the greatest of all Christian virtues. The teaching concluded with a reflection on the dynamic nature of faith, which is not static but active, urging believers to live out their faith through love and service, thereby glorifying God.
