Scripture Reading: 2 Peter 1:3-21, Proverbs 1:7, Hebrews 6:1-7, James 2:14-26
This Is the New Testament is part of a twelve-week thematic overview of the entire Bible. As we read, we’ll gain a broader understanding of the redemptive story of Scripture. Each day we’ll read a thematic selection from a different book of the Bible, along with supplemental passages that show how the theme of that day’s main reading is found throughout Scripture. We’ll also read a brief summary of each book and a reflection on how the book fits into the larger story of Scripture. This week, we will finish reading the General Epistles and move on to Apocalyptic Literature.
The Book of 2 Peter: In 2 Peter, the apostle Peter cautioned believers against false teachers and immoral behavior. He also emphasized Christ’s second coming and the importance of an active, growing faith as we await Christ’s return.
How 2 Peter Fits into the Story: Second Peter is strongly tied to the Old Testament. In it, Peter highlighted the significance of God’s Word through statements on the origin of Scripture, as well as the inspired nature of Paul’s letters. Peter challenged his audience to live with authenticity, clinging to Scripture as a guide for faithful living.
Reflection Questions:
1. What are some characteristics of a believer who is growing in the Christian faith? According to 2 Peter 1:3–21, how does God’s power help us grow in spiritual maturity?
2. How does today’s reading shape your understanding of the story of redemption?
Take time to reflect on your responses and share what you are learning with others in the community in the comments.
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87 thoughts on "2 Peter"
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1. What are some characteristics of a believer who is growing in the Christian faith?
Characteristics:a person of faith; a person of excellence; a person with knowledge; a person with self-control; a person who can endure; a person with Godliness; a person with mutual affection; a person with love.
It is a relief that knowledge begins with the fear of the LORD, as, again, this takes the pressure off me needing to be an intellectual and just adopting this humble posture (Proverbs 1 v 7). Also verse 6 from Hebrews: the rain falling on the ground: I need to make sure that I have an open/ fertile heart, but I don’t need to add to anything that Christ has already done; I just need to receive (‘repentance from dead works and faith towards God’). Faith towards God must produce good works in us, though, because otherwise it is dead.
How does God’s power help us to grow in spiritual maturity?
Verse 3: ‘His divine power has given us everything needed for life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and excellence.
How does today’s reading shape your understanding of the story of redemption?
Redemption: no longer defined by the old self; made new and with new worth.
Verse 3 tells me that it is all God’s power that has enabled me to live a life that is transformed. As with the rest of scripture, it tells me that it is not humans that make these things possible but only a Holy God.
Happy Wednesday! Praying for all you sweet ladies today.
I find Hebrews 6:4-6 very scary. I was raised in faith and accepted Jesus as my Savior when I was 18. I was a strong believer and knew the Lord closely. Many years later, my Baptist deacon husband left me for another woman. Then the church didnt want me teaching or singing in the choir because I was divorced. I stopped going to church. Then I stopped living a Christian life. For a very long time. But I never stopped believing. I always knew Jesus was my Savior. And I knew He saved me from situations I got myself in that could have turned out very badly. Eventually, I made my way back, bitterly repented and felt close to God again. I’ve lived a strong Christian life since then. But after retiring as a chaplain and then struggling with many health issues, then after COVID, I’ve never made my way back to church. I try to stay close to God, but I’ve never felt the closeness I once had. I’ve struggled with depression for years. I rarely go anywhere and interact with very few people.
Hebrews 6:4-6 scares me because I’m certainly not growing. if anything, I’m stagnating. This passage makes me question where I stand. it makes me think if I’m not working, with accomplishments and good deeds to show, I may have lost what I once had. But, I don’t really believe that. I know God promises to ALWAYS be with me, and that NOTHING can separate me from His love.
All of your comments today have been very helpful. Searching, I took your advice and read the commentary on GotQuestions. I still struggled. But, deep down, not in the feelings department, but in the KNOWING department, I know I’m God’s child through faith in Jesus Christ, His Son.
Thank you Teresa for being so honest and open regarding your situation. I too, struggle wondering where am I at? because I’m not as “tight” with the Lord, as I once was. I, too, was very concerned with this passage (v. 4-6, and a few others) because I wondered if the silence meant that the Holy Spirit left and didn’t come back. BUT a Pastor told me “The fact that I was concerned and crying, was evidence enough that the Trinity was still with me, by my side, and will never leave me.” Praise God! You’re better than okay, you’re GREAT- just because you ask these questions with concern in your heart. You’re good my friend. He’s just waiting on your next step. Ask Him to reveal to you what you need. You’ll find He’s there. (HUG).
Amen!
Thank you so much for sharing that! ❤️
Sister, what a vulnerable, moving, encouraging testimony. I was so heartbroken for you, so disappointed at your ex’s betrayal, more than a little riled up reading about the church’s attitude. But then I was right there, paralleling your story but without the heartbreak and betrayal, just pure rebelliousness, and I too found my way back to the Lord. Since covid, we rarely go to church but we join online each week (not the same of course) and still keep mostly to ourselves with the exception of family. You said you’re not growing, yet you are here with us studying, learning, encouraging us and I feel there’s growth in being part of this outstanding community, perhaps preparing us for something new. Do I have any accomplishments or good deeds to show? Not any that would cause others to sit up and take notice, but I think meaningful nevertheless. Encouraging and praying for others, offering a kind word to a tired cashier, listening to a stranger. And I think we may all struggle with our faith at times but the truths in your story can anchor us every time … “I know God promises to ALWAYS be with me, and that NOTHING can separate me from His love” and “But, deep down, not in the feelings department, but in the KNOWING department, I know I’m God’s child through faith in Jesus Christ, His Son.” Hallelujah.
yes amen..well said searching and TVP!! Thank you for sharing my friend Teresa! I felt the same as Searching said reading it. Thank you for sharing!! (heart)
Thank you, Searching. ❤️
Update on my friend’s son Andrew (who has a brain tumor) who had a surgery yesterday:
My friend reported that all went well yesterday, and the doctor mentioned that the old valve wasn’t working, which they knew! :) So, very good that they got it replaced. The surgery was simpler than a year ago because he already had the shunt, and was just replacing a part of it, so that was good. He was playing Risk with his sisters in the afternoon! Unfortunately he did vomit in the evening, and that’s always a concern because he needs to keep his anti-seizure drugs down. But all in all, a very good day!
Thanks for this update, Lisa! Andrew has been on my mind. ❤
Praying for Andrew. Good to hear the surgery went well.
Praise God!
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SEARCHING, praying all is well and settled peacefully with the situation you mentioned last week! ❤
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SUSAN, praying this last day of travel will be easy on y’all. ❤
I am hoping that this link will work. It is from the spoken gospel through youversion. It really helped me to understand the passage in Hebrews.
Hey, have you seen this? Check out Hebrews 5:11-6:20 by Spoken Gospel:
thank you! this was not sitting well with me this morning, this video helped
Faith. Goodness. Knowledge. Self-control. Perseverance. Godliness. Mutual affection. LOVE. I could work on ALL of these. I must not give up, even when I fail. That’s what the Holy Spirit inside of me is for. To convict yet encourage me to keep pressing forward and NEVER give up no matter what life challenges come my way, and BOY has there been many.
THANK YOU sweeties for praying for Alyssa. I sat near by listening while she spoke to someone in the Jury Duty dept and “listened” while she spoke up when the person on the other line was literally not listening to her, and once she got her message across, the rep was able to assist her to postpone Jury Duty for when she’s home for Christmas break. So she still has to serve, but will be able to speak up if she get’s called and let them know there’s a hardship as she is in the middle of going to college out-of-town. Or something like that. Either way it’s resolved for now.
Happy Tuesday! Tomorrow is the FIRST day of school for our students! I can’t wait!!!
Thank you She’s for praying for Rita.
Rita opened her eyes last week and looked at one the ladies who came to visit her.
When the nurse gave her a shot, she felt pain and jerked her hand away.
I wanted to say thank you and ask you to continue pray for Rita.
Tanya, thank you for sharing this encouraging turn! While I would never wish pain on Rita, I am thankful for her reaction! ❤
Praying for Rita!
Wonderful news.
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Prayer Request: Our Vacation Bible School begins on Monday. We have a very small church and only 1 child of VBS age. We took a HUGE step of faith in planning our VBS, thinking this is what God would have us to do. We have put up flyers, sent out invites and I’ve posted on my local FB pages. Yet, as of today, we do not have one child registered! Please pray that children come. So much work has been put into the planning and preparing. I’ve been praying for 40 kids, another lady in our church has prayed for 50. Trusting that God will bring kids but please – pray with me!
Thank you in advance!
Praying that the Lord of the Harvest will stir the hearts of parents to send children. Father God, the banquete has been prepared and the table has been set. Stir the hearts of the parents to send children from the north, south, east and west un Jesus”s name I pray. Amen
Amen!❤️
Praying for the kids to come!
Oh Wow! I love the obedience, yes, Lord, bring the kids, stir the parents hearts, and let the harvest be ripe!! In Jesus name’!
Will be praying, Sharon!
Our church has struggled since returning after covid pandemic. We usually only have 30-40 now. We have a water day on the last day with big inflatable slide and a bouncy house. Hot dog lunch for kids and parents. I think it helps.
Praying God answers your/our lrayers! ❤
Praying Sharon❤️
prayed just now.
If we are growing, we will bear fruit. We should be seeing in ourselves the fruits of the Spirit and having the mind of Christ. Will we donn be it perfectly everyday? No, but we keep persevering and keep our focus on God.
Praying over all the requests and for all of us to keep going!!
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Thanks for the “reminder”, Peter! ❤️ Many days I need that!
Something that stood out to me is that the final “step” is love, which aligns with the greatest command (Matthew 22:37-40).
So true, Laura; good catch! ❤
“His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life…”, 2 Peter 1:3.
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And there it is! We are without excuse. Everything we need to live a godly life has been given to us, by the power of God. We have been given His promises and can participate in His divine nature.
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The key is being an active participant. We can not sit dormant, we have to be actively doing what God commands.
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This letter too has a sad note – Peter knowing that his death would be soon. Even knowing this, his mind was on others. His concern was for the believers in wanting them to always remember that which they had been taught from God’s chosen. He did not want them to stumble. He truly loved his fellow believers.
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The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge.
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Happy Tuesday She’s. Praying for your requests.
Yes, it reminded me of before my mom passed, a few years before. One of the grandkids was doing the school project of “interviewing” a loved one. All of us were around the table listening. And when asked “you greatest advise to leave with others” she said, “I want you all to know Jesus so we can all be in heaven one day!”
I hope they will all recall. I hope our Savannah was greeted by her beloved grandma. My last text to her was about calling on the name of Jesus, that only he could fill the void she longed for and break addiction.
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Reflection Questions:
1. What are some characteristics of a believer who is growing in the Christian faith?
Goodness, knowledge, self-control, endurance, endurance, godliness, brotherly affection, brotherly affection, love.
According to 2 Peter 1:3–21, how does God’s power help us grow in spiritual maturity?
Keeps us from being useless or unfruitful. We will never stumble.
2. How does today’s reading shape your understanding of the story of redemption?
We need to keep growing and maturing in our faith.
Amen
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Thinking of you and praying for you Michelle. Hugs! ❤️
Thank you, Sharon! Much needed in this season!! Appreciate that so much.
❤️ praying God continue to bless and guide you in your obedience as well! Esp with VBS request :)
I have appreciated your shares this morning greatly!I am highlighting the instructions “make every effort” and “be all the more diligent” because I too am praying that my actions are reflecting growth and development❤️
goodness
knowledge
self-control
endurance
godliness with
brotherly affection
love
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The interesting thing about that list is that no item stands alone in the Scripture! Faith is to be supplemented with goodness, goodness is to be supplemented with knowledge, etc. Stepping stones to fullness. Makes me think of the game, Hopscotch, and remember the ultimate goal – “Heaven”!
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We can’t achieve this in our own power. We need the help of the Father, Jesus, and Holy Spirit.
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SONG SHARE (New song to me)-
Ryan Ellis – Heart of the Father (Official Music Video)
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Love, hugs, and prayers! ❤
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ugh…comment lost with hitting the wrong button. :((
So sorry, Rhonda! ❤❤❤
So many of the characteristics mentioned I strive to achieve in my own strength which is often fruitless. I want to remember that I have access to his divine power to grow and mature in the fruit of the Spirit. My first response needs to be, “Lord help me to… more”.
Also in response to the characteristics building upon one another, I found this:
Faith — the foundation. Everything begins with trusting Christ.
Goodness (virtue) — because I trust Christ, I desire to live in a way that reflects Him.
Knowledge — to live rightly, I need to know God and understand His truth.
Self-control — knowing what is right isn’t enough; I learn to choose it.
Perseverance — practicing self-control over time develops endurance, especially when following Jesus is difficult.
Godliness — perseverance shapes a life increasingly centered on and resembling God.
Mutual affection (philadelphia) — godliness changes how I treat my brothers and sisters in Christ.
Love (agapē) — the culmination: Christlike, self-giving love toward others.
Peter begins with faith and ends with love. Spiritual maturity isn’t ultimately measured by how much Scripture we know—what we know about God should progressively transform how we live and how we love.
This is a great summary. Thank you for sharing it Tami.
I too, try in my own strength to exhibit these qualities and then burn out while the Holy Spirit waits patiently by.
Thank you for that expansion
Very nice summary! ❤️
Thank you for sharing Tami!
As we walk with the Lord, we should seek to always be growing in our faith, pursuing godliness, knowledge, self control, endurance, affection, love, being fruitful and useful as Peter lays out in these verses. It is lifelong learning, a daily pursuit, but not on our efforts as we have the presence of God’s power, Holy Spirt to helps us. But, we also can’t be complacent in this pursuit and have to be active, intentional and diligent to pattern our lives towards being Christ like and becoming more like Jesus. We have to keeo pressing on. Heavenly Father, find us faithful in seeking to be like you. Amen
Amen
There are 8 characteristics of a growing believer- faith, virtue, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, godliness, brotherly affection, and love. Each characteristic is a step of growth in our lives, it would seem. His power is the catalyst in our lives to help us grow beyond ourselves into becoming more like Jesus!
As Christians we are constantly in the sanctification process, the day by day, moment by moment, process of conforming our hearts and minds to be more like Jesus. Peter specifically articulates that believers will be growing in virtue, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love—all fruits of a life of faith! God’s power helps us grow in these areas by revealing knowledge of himself—We grow in faith as we grow in our knowledge of God and as we grow in our knowledge of Him, it results in greater spiritual fruit in our lives! Praise God for His work of redemption that makes a way for a personal relationship with God that truly transforms our lives!
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When we grow, we bear fruit! Tying in to the fruits of the spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Although different wording is used in 2 Peter, I believe that is the heart of the message. When we walk alongside God, we bear fruit!
Amen, Susan. The fruits of the Spirit came to mind; both “lists” act as guides to advance our maturity in Christ.
Yes I had the same thought!
It helped me to include v 2 rather than starting in the middle of a sentence with v 3.
2 Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, 3 as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness …..
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Such encouragement to conscientiously build our faith and a sharp warning if we don’t, 8 For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins.
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Peter’s goodbye, another tough thing to read. Knowing his days are short, his first concern is for believers to hold tight to the truth of Christ, to remember the source of God’s word and prophecy, v 21 for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.
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Hebrews 6:1-7 after reading it several times, I ended up at Got Questions which presents 2 ways to view verses 4-6. Worth a read I think. Search for ‘Does Hebrews 6:4-6 mean we can lose our salvation?’ at gotquestions dot org
Searching just the scripture reference there brings up many other related questions/answers.
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B ❤️❤️❤️ keep clinging, sister. Oh, how He loves us! No matter what we are dealing with or going through, He loves us, His precious children. Praying for everything you need, including: endurance, obedience, strength, courage, peace, rest, healing, wisdom, discernment and guidance for both you and your husband.
INES HODZIC ❤️
TRACI GENDRON ❤️ such truth, us whining at the smallest things. I try to remember to ask myself, before complaining, responding or flying off the handle, does this really matter?
SHARON JERSEY GIRL ❤️
MARI V ❤️
SUSAN BONNER ❤️ praying for safety on this last day of travel. I can’t imagine the thankfulness of being back home.
KELLY (NEO) ❤️praying for the rehab approval needed and for answers needed from the neurologist.
I too had to Google the Hebrews passage. It kinda brought more questions like you said. I’m gonna have to read again.
The Hebrews passage kinda had me asking questions, also
I went to Enduring word for help with this passage. Will check out Got Questions.
Same❤️
Me too! I asked Chatgpt and this is the response: Hebrews 6:4–6 gives a serious warning about turning away from Jesus after deeply experiencing the truth of God. It is not describing someone who sins, struggles with doubt, or goes through a weak season of faith. It describes a deliberate rejection of Christ—apostasy.
The point is that Jesus is the only source of salvation. If someone knowingly rejects Him, there is no other sacrifice or Savior to turn to. The passage is meant to urge believers to persevere in faith and not turn away from Christ.
Simply: You have experienced the truth of Jesus—don’t turn back. Keep trusting Him and moving forward in faith.
I re-read 4-6 and then 7 after reading your comment. I did not research but believe it is about living out the fruits of the spirit-not hiding who we are-a child of the risen King, For they will know we are Christians by our love.
I had to read that a few times too, and then go to enduring word. Commentators divide on this issue in vs 4-6. It does sound a little scary – thinking that if someone walks away from the faith they are not able to be brought back by repentance. I clearly do not believe you can lose your salvation but this passage leaves me scratching my head! I’ll check out GotQuestions. Thanks!
Thank you❤️
Your prayers and those of all of the She’s are such a treasure.
I too, had to reread it…
Thank you for the research. ❤️
Each attribute builds and it opens for the next one to come to fruition. It establishes the maturity of a believer to become more well rounded
Just to be concise, if you are growing in your faith, then you are changing to be more like Jesus, sharing in His divine nature.
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God’s power helps us grow in spiritual maturity by His indwelling Holy Spirit.
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Today’s reading shows that redemption is not passive, but we must actively (make every effort) persue godliness and righteousness by remembering all that God has done through Jesus.
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SEARCHING – praying for June and her daughter.
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LISA H – praying all is well with Andrew after his surgery.
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TRACI GENDRON – prayers for Debbie and Ashton
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WENDY B – praying you are starting to see/feel benifits from new meds. Praying your MIL continues to improve.
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TANYA – continuing to pray for Rita and wisdom for her medical team.
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INES HODZIC ♥️
Thank you, joining you in prayer for these many needs.
Thank you Kelly. No changes for me yet. My MIL is doing fairly well all things considered. ♥️
Thank you for your Prayer Warrior faithfulness, Kelly (NEO)! (And others, I know!)
My friend reported that all went well yesterday, and the doctor mentioned that the old valve wasn’t working, which they knew! :) So, very good that they got it replaced. The surgery was simpler than a year ago because he already had the shunt, and was just replacing a part of it, so that was good. He was playing Risk with his sisters in the afternoon! Unfortunately he did vomit in the evening, and that’s always a concern because he needs to keep his anti-seizure drugs down. But all in all, a very good day!
That’s a praise!
I noticed this too and really appreciated it! I read it as, once we have “mastered” or focused on one value, the next naturally follows. Essentially, one value begets another. Once you exhibit goodness, knowledge begins to follow. Once you receive that knowledge, you’re able to display self-control. That self-control then allows you to endure. And so on!! ❤️
this very reason, make every effort to
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supplement your faith with goodness,
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goodness with knowledge,
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knowledge with self-control,
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self-control with endurance,
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endurance with godliness,
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godliness with brotherly affection,
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and brotherly affection with love..
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Funny, breaking it down like this, I find myself thinking of the Fruit of the Spirit..
The list, aside from knowledge and hmmm, endurance, (which is embedded in the Fruit of patience, forebearance, or long suffering.. )brotherly love..
The others..
Faith(fulness)
Goodness.
Self control.
Godliness.
Love..
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So, I’m thinking, supplementing, adding to, or enhancing, our Faith, (which is a Fruit in older bibles), with the aforementioned which ‘piggy back’ each other, to produce knowledge that helps us grow spiritual maturity..
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Any other thoughts, sisters..
I was for sure, thinking I was on a path.., but wonder now..
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I wait to hear..
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Happy Tuesday!
❤️ Yes, agree on thinking of fruit of the Spirit – it came to my mind also. We should always strive to build up and increase our faith, to walk closer to our Lord. Brings to mind, ‘Just a closer walk with Thee …’
I love that hymn, it is perfect for today.
Yes, you are on the path! If we continue to possess all of the above characteristics, relying on the power of the Spirit within us – we will continue to grow and we will not stumble.
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