A splendid sum in addition!

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(J.R. Miller)

"ADD . . .
  to your faith, virtue;
  to virtue, knowledge;
  to knowledge, self-control;
  to self-control, perseverance;
  to perseverance, godliness;
  to godliness, brotherly kindness; and
  to brotherly kindness, love. 2 Peter 1:5-7

Our verses presents us with a splendid sum in addition! These graces are to be added one to another.

Faith comes first. But faith cannot stand-alone, so we add to our faith, virtue--that is, conformity of one's life and conduct to the highest moral and ethical principles.

Next we are to add knowledge. Knowledge, of course, of the true kind--wisdom for life, spiritual knowledge, knowledge of God, and of God's will as found in His Word.

Self-control comes next--this is the key of all noble life. No matter how strong we are, or how much we know--if we have not self-control, then something is lacking. He who can rule himself is strong--while he who lacks self-mastery, no matter what other gifts he may have, is pitiably weak.

Self-control produces another element--perseverance, perseverance in all Christian duties.

Another quality to be added to patience is Godliness--Godlikeness, Christlikeness.

Then comes brotherly kindness--affectionateness and forbearance to those among whom we mingle.

Last of all--love, the crowning gift and blessing!

These elements of character make up Christian maturity.

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