7 Faith Additives
For a Productive and Effective Life
Part Two
Today we are going examine the remaining four faith additives – perseverance, godliness, mutual affecti0n, and love). We find these 7 additives listed in 2 Peter 1:5-8.
4. Perseverance
Perseverance or patience enables us to endure trials and challenges without losing hope or faith. Being perseverant means being steadfast, determined, and consistent. It is being fully committed to God, even when circumstances are difficult. Through perseverance, we grow in resilience, relying on God’s strength and trustworthiness, and our faith becomes unshakable.
Without this additive we run the risk of “short circuiting” our faith. Hebrews 10:23 tells us to “hold fast the profession of our faith without waving’. We are told in Hebrews 6:12, “We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.” Hebrews 10:36 gives us this admonition, “ You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.” Don’t miss what God has promised you by giving up too soon.
5. Godliness
Godliness simply means living for God with a fear of God – reverence of God. It is a devotion to living a life that reflects God’s character and holiness. It involves prioritizing God in every aspect of our lives, seeking His presence and aligning our thoughts, words, and actions with His divine nature. Practicing godliness deepens our intimacy with God and nurtures a faith that impacts every area of our existence.
The opposite of godliness is – ungodliness. Which means being irreverent, profane, wicked, etc. Godliness is profitable unto all things. (1Timothy 4:8) Godliness insures faith is used to fulfill God’s plans and purposes NOT to satisfy earthly desires.
6. Brotherly affection
Brotherly affection or kindness causes us to have our heart, mind, and will set on pleasing God, a It fosters unity, support, and compassion within the body of Christ and a genuine concern for fellow believers. As we extend love and care to one another, we demonstrate the transformative power of God’s love and bear witness to the reality of our faith.
Kindness keeps us from turning our faith inward – selfishness. Like other fruit of the Spirit, kindness can only be obtained by abiding in Christ. It is more than just being nice
7. Love
Love is the pinnacle of all the additives to faith. Faith works only by love. (Galatians 5:6) Love serves as the foundation on which our faith is built and manifests itself in acts of kindness, forgiveness, and compassion.
It is love that is selfless, sacrificial, and unconditional love. It mirrors God’s love for us and fuels our love for others. Love ensures our faith has the right motive. If our faith is not motivated by love is worthless, it is nothing but clanging noise, we gain nothing. We are nothing. 1 Corinthians 13: 1-4
Closing
By intentionally developing and incorporating these additives to our faith, we build a solid foundation for our spiritual journey. As we cultivate goodness, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, godliness, brotherly affection, and love, our faith becomes dynamic, transformative, and resilient. Let us embrace these virtues, empowered by the Holy Spirit, as we walk the path of faith, shining as a testament to the transformative work of God in our lives.
We must recognize that faith is not a solitary pursuit. Rather, it thrives when supported by these 7 additives When we incorporate these additives into our faith, we can cultivate a strong and vibrant spiritual life, anchored in virtue, knowledge, and self-control.
When we do our lives become productive and effective for the kingdom of God to His glory!