… to live a truly religious life through our knowledge of the one who called us to share in his own glory and goodness, In this way he has given us the very great and precious gifts he promised, so that by means of these gifts you may escape from the destructive lust that is in the world and may come to share the divine nature.

“For this very reason do your best to add goodness to your faith; to your goodness add knowledge; to your knowledge add self-control; to your self-control add endurance; to your endurance add godliness; to your godliness add brotherly affection; and to your brotherly affection add love. These are the qualities you need, and if you have them in abundance, they will may you active and effective in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Peter explains well the difference between salvation, grace and faith – gifts from God for which we did nothing to receive – and the works we must then do to add to our faith so that we may grow in effectiveness.

It is nice to have it stepped out like that – although I think I still have to work on my goodness. As to godliness, I actually have no idea how one acquires that quality. But this is a good verse to study and think about.

Peter also addresses people who come and mock: “He promised to come, didn’t He? Where is He?” Which is a big difficulty for me. Who doesn’t find it hard to be mocked?

“Do not forget one thing, my dear friends! There is no difference in the Lord’s sight between one day and a thousand years; to Him the two are the same. The Lord is not slow to do what he has promised, as some think. Instead He is patient with you, because He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants all to turn away from their sins.”

Dear Father God, Thank You for Your Word. Thank You for Your magnificence. Thank You for these words from Peter, who saw our Saviour Jesus Christ and his death and resurrection with his own eyes. Thank You for the beautiful day You have given me, and the epiphany which has rescued me from a torpor which was beginning to eat at my faith. Please watch over my dad, help him beat this infection. Please also be with Maggie. In Jesus’ name, Amen