We must never get the idea that godliness is an impractical thing, because it is intensely practical. The godly person makes the kinds of decisions that are right and noble. He does not take an easy path simply to avoid either pain or trial. He does what is right because it is right and because it is the will of God.
- Brotherly kindness: which is (Philadelphia in the Greek) is a virtue that Peter must have acquired the hard way. Peter often debated and disagreed with one another. If we love Jesus Christ, we must also love the brethren. We should practice sincere love of the brethren” (1 Pet. 1:22) and not just pretend that we love them. “Let brotherly love continue” ( 13:1). The fact that we love our brothers and sisters in Christ is one evidence that we have been born of God (1 John 5:1-2). The Lord Jesus Christ has shown “the agape love” which is much beyond the brotherly kindness. His love towards the sinners is beyond comprehension inspite of difference in the levels as Jesus is Holy God and men are mere mortals and sinners.
- Love: The church is founded on faith, grows in hope and is filled with love. It is again the concern for others’ need. The highest form of love (Agape) love is displayed by God towards sinners (Jn.3:16, Rom.5:8, 1 Jn.4:9-11).
It is impossible for fallen human nature to develop these seven qualities of Christian character. They must be produced by the Spirit of God. All the 7-qualities begin with the Faith and ends in a climax of love towards others (Col. 1:4-5; 1 Thess. 1:3; 2 Thess. 1:3; Phil.5).
Some unsaved sinners seem to be possessing self control and endurance. But those qualities point to their self praise but not the Lord. When God produces the beautiful characters of His Son in a Christian, it is God who receives the praise and glory. Because we have the divine nature, we can grow spiritually and develop this kind of Christian character. It is through the power of God and the precious promises of God that this growth takes place. The divine “genetic structure” is already there: God wants us to be “conformed to the image of His Son” (Rom.8:29). And the amazing thing is this: as the image of Christ is reproduced in us, the process does not destroy our own personalities. We still remain uniquely ourselves!
Peter reminds the believers that those who possess the above 6-characters will the special blessings:
- They will be fruitful: (1:8):Believers are not only just to possess these virtues must be increasing measure. A believer who does not progress in these seven areas is ineffective and unproductive. Unfortunately many Christians know the Lord in salvation but lack the “fruit” of the Spirit and are not advancing spiritually. They remain “infants in Christ” (1 Cor.3:1), still in need of spiritual “milk” (Heb.5:12-13). But as Peter urged, believers should “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ” (2 Pet.3:18).
- They will have vision: (1:9): Our faith must be more dynamic as we live resulting in good fruit and spiritual maturity. Salvation does not depend upon good deeds, but it results in good deeds. Peter once again reminds that the hard work will prove and develop these qualities. That’s why Peter calls all believers to make or ensure our election or our calling. Further Peter says if any one does not have these he has Myopia (does not have far sightedness). He lacks vision. Just as a nutritionist can tell us the diets which affect the vision, a person who do not possess the above qualities lacks vision and security. Some congregations today are like the church at Laodicea: they are proud that they are “rich and increased with goods, and have need of nothing,” and do not realize that they are “wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked” (Rev. 3:17). It is the myopia or even the blindness. If we forget what God has done for us, we will not be excited to share Christ with others. Through the blood of Jesus Christ we have been purged and forgiven! God has opened our eyes! Let’s not forget what He has done! Rather, let’s cultivate gratitude in our hearts and sharpen our spiritual vision.
Ex: There are some Christians who see only their own church, or their own denomination, but fail to see the greatness of God’s family around the world. Some believers see the needs at home but have no vision for a lost world. Jesus said: “Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest” (Jn. 4:35).
The Christian who is sure of his election and calling will never “stumble” but will prove by a consistent life that he is truly a child of God. He will not always be on the mountaintop, but he will always be climbing higher. In fact, the growing Christian can look forward to “an abundant entrance” into the eternal kingdom! The Greeks used this phrase to describe the welcome given Olympic winners when they returned home. Every believer will arrive in heaven, but some will have a more glorious welcome than others.