Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. 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, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, 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 whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins. Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
— 2 Peter 1:2-11

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The Equation of Growth
By Jennifer Kane

Faith is the constant, the origin,
the axis from which all begins.
Goodness is the first addition,
an incremental shift toward light.

Knowledge multiplies understanding,
a derivative of seeking truth.
Self-control integrates the heart and mind,
a balance, calculated and steady.

Perseverance adds resilience to the function,
sustaining through trials,
an unbroken line.
Godliness transforms,
a reflection of the ultimate formula.

Mutual affection connects,
bridging variables with care,
while love—exponential and infinite—
binds every term, completing the proof.

With these qualities, increasing,
your life’s equation converges,
not to zero,
but to abundance in Christ,
the solution to every need.

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Scripture Reading 2 Peter 1:2-11

Imagine a divine equation where faith is the foundation, and every virtue you develop builds upon it, leading to the ultimate result: a life abounding in love and purpose. This passage in 2 Peter outlines a spiritual formula for growth that requires our diligent effort, powered by God’s divine provision.

Peter begins with a reminder of the resources God has given us: His divine power supplies everything we need for life and godliness. This power isn’t generic but deeply personal, flowing from our knowledge of God.

We aren’t left to strive alone; through His glory and virtue, God gives us precious promises. These promises empower us to escape the corruption of the world and participate in His divine nature. This is where our spiritual growth begins: acknowledging that we are equipped by His grace.

Peter invites us to add to our faith, not in a passive sense but with diligence. The progression outlined in verses 5-7 reflects a calculated growth:

1. Faith is the constant—our starting point.
2. Goodness enhances our faith with moral integrity.
3. Knowledge multiplies understanding of God’s Word and will.
4. Self-control integrates discipline into our actions.
5. Perseverance strengthens us to endure trials.
6. Godliness aligns our character with God’s holiness.
7. Mutual affection connects us with others through kindness.
8. Love, the ultimate goal, binds everything together.

This spiritual math isn’t about perfection but progression. Each addition brings us closer to Christlikeness.

Peter warns that failing to grow makes us nearsighted and blind, forgetting the cleansing power of Christ’s sacrifice. When we ignore this divine calculation, we risk spiritual barrenness, becoming ineffective in our knowledge of Jesus. But if we abound in these qualities, we’ll find purpose and productivity in our walk with God.

Growth is evidence of our salvation. By actively cultivating these virtues, we make our calling and election secure, avoiding spiritual stumbling and ensuring a rich welcome into Christ’s eternal kingdom.

Take time to evaluate your life through this divine equation. Which qualities are you excelling in? Where do you need to grow? Remember, God has already provided everything you need—you simply need to step into His promises with diligence.

I challenge you to memorize the list of virtues in 2 Peter 1:5-7. Choose one quality to focus on today, praying for God’s strength to grow in that area. Reflect on how God’s promises have empowered you to escape the corruption of the world.

~~~~~

My Heavenly Father firstly I want to thank You for giving me everything I need for life and godliness through Your divine power and promises. You have equipped me to live a life that reflects Your glory and goodness, and I am so grateful.

Help me to grow diligently in faith, adding goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, mutual affection, and love. Teach me to live a life that bears fruit, bringing glory to You and making my calling and election sure.

Keep me from being blind to Your grace or forgetting the cleansing I have received. Lead me instead to walk faithfully, knowing You have prepared a rich welcome for me in Your eternal kingdom. Thank You for Your provision and love. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

December 12 2024