Word for the day by Christian education forum

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The Path of Virtue & Discipleship

Bible Reading:   II Peter 1:5-11

Key Verse :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 -  II Peter 1:5-7

DEVOTION

Path of virtue is essential for true discipleship.  The passage calls us to make every effort to add certain virtues to our faith and provides an assurance that such a life leads to spiritual and fruitful relationship with God.  The path of virtue involves a commitment to growing in goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, mutual affection, and love.  A true disciple does not merely believe in Jesus but actively reflects Him through a transformed life marked by these virtues.  If a person lacks these qualities, they are described as “nearsighted and blind” having forgotten the forgiveness and cleansing they received through Christ. This forgetfulness can lead to spiritual stagnation or decline, where the disciple is not growing in the knowledge of Christ or living a life that testifies to the reality of the gospel.  Passage calls us believers to “make every effort” to confirm our calling and election by actively living in a way that demonstrates one’s identity as chosen by God.  Ultimately, the path of virtue and discipleship leads to the eternal reward of God’s kingdom - a rich welcome that awaits those who faithfully follow Christ. 

  PRAYER

O' Lord, as we embark into a new year, we ask that You help us grow in these virtues in increasing measure and we pray that you would fill us with love – the greatest virtue of all. Keep us from spiritual blindness and let us always remember the great salvation You have given u


Thought of the day

We are reminded that the Christian life is a journey of intentional growth. We should “make every effort” to add virtues such as goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, mutual affection, and love to our faith.
 

Resly M Cherian
Jerusalem Mar Thoma Church, Connecticut

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