Bible "Math"

2 Peter, chapter 1 provides us with an Equation for Christian Living. It all starts out with faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Then we add character qualities to our faith. I see it as a math exercise, like this:

                       Faith  

                       Virtue  

                       Knowledge  

                       Temperance  

                       Patience  

                       Godliness  

                       Brotherly kindness

                      + Charity (love)        

                       A fruitful Christian life

For if these things be in you, and abound,

they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful

in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Peter 1:8).

This 2 Peter equation reminds me of another Bible passage, Galatians 5:22-23.

But the fruit of the Spirit is

                       love,

                       joy,

                       peace,

                       longsuffering,

                       gentleness,

                       goodness,

                       faith,

                       Meekness,

                       temperance: against such there is no law.

Let’s be fruitful Christians!