Peter has effectively and meticulously laid out the process of spiritual growth - "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;"
Each of us must take responsibility for our own spiritual growth. After all, God has given us everything we need to live godly lives. He has given us great and precious promises. He has given us the Word and He has sent His Spirit. Everything He can do He has done!
It is up to us to "make every effort to add". Literally that means to give our full effort and attention to supporting the work God wants to do in us.
God has given us one other thing to help us - each other!
That is the essence of this virtue of "mutual affection". We each care for the other enough to give encouragement, accountability, and prayer support to nurture spiritual growth for the other. In the process of doing that, affection grows and faith grows and fellowship strengthens!
One of the reasons I harbor such a passion for local churches is because it is within the unity and fellowship of a local church we can literally love one another to life! It is within the safety of a grace-giving community we can call out the best in each other patiently, yet persistently. We can challenge each other when necessary but at the same time we cheer one another.
I have been blessed to devote my life to the church because the church has blessed my life beyond measure! I can't imagine where I would be or who I would be without all the mutual affection I have received from pastors, Sunday School teachers, youth pastors, college professors, and brothers and sisters in Christ! I love because of the love I have received. I offer the fruits of that love to help others add to their faith as I have been helped.
That is how God designed it! It is how God desires it!
Do you have a fellowship where you can find mutual love? Do you have a group of believers who are as committed to your spiritual maturity as they are their own?
That is mutual affection!
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