“And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge…”— 2 Peter 1:5
The Greek word translated as virtue in this verse is ἀρετή (aretē) — a word that means moral excellence, goodness, or valor. But for the believer, it means even more: it is the divine quality of life that flows from God Himself. This isn’t just about good behaviour—it’s about being filled with the very character of God.
The Apostle Peter is not calling us to strive in human strength, but to yield to the Spirit of God within us. These virtues—starting with aretē—are not goals to chase, but realities to walk in as children of God. They are the fruits of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22–23: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance…”
These fruits are not external rules—they are the manifestation of eternal life within. This is God’s personality, God’s attitude, and God’s mind being revealed in you.
Dear believer, don’t just have faith—add to your faith. Make room for virtue. Let the divine life in you overflow with God’s beauty. This is your calling. When you walk in the Spirit, virtue increases. The more you yield, the more you shine. You are not trying to become like God — you are born of God (1 John 5:1), and His Spirit in you makes you like Him. “As He is, so are we in this world.” — 1 John 4:17
This is your identity. You don’t just have a new life — you have God’s life.
Prayer
Father, thank you for calling me to a life of glory and virtue. I receive the divine nature You’ve placed within me through Your Spirit. Let Your virtues overflow in my life — love, patience, goodness, faith, and power. I refuse to walk in the flesh. I walk in the Spirit. I grow in character. I increase in grace. I shine with the very life and personality of God. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Related Bible Verses
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2 Peter 1:3–4
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Galatians 5:22–23
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Romans 8:14
-
1 John 4:17
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Philippians 2:13
-
1 John 3:9
RELATED DEVOTIONAL
13 June, 2025
The Life of God Within You
“And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge…”— 2 Peter 1:5
The Greek word translated as virtue in this verse is ἀρετή (aretē) — a word that means moral excellence, goodness, or valor. But for the believer, it means even more: it is the divine quality of life that flows from God Himself. This isn’t just about good behaviour—it’s about being filled with the very character of God.
The Apostle Peter is not calling us to strive in human strength, but to yield to the Spirit of God within us. These virtues—starting with aretē—are not goals to chase, but realities to walk in as children of God. They are the fruits of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22–23: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance…”
These fruits are not external rules—they are the manifestation of eternal life within. This is God’s personality, God’s attitude, and God’s mind being revealed in you.
Dear believer, don’t just have faith—add to your faith. Make room for virtue. Let the divine life in you overflow with God’s beauty. This is your calling. When you walk in the Spirit, virtue increases. The more you yield, the more you shine. You are not trying to become like God — you are born of God (1 John 5:1), and His Spirit in you makes you like Him. “As He is, so are we in this world.” — 1 John 4:17
This is your identity. You don’t just have a new life — you have God’s life.
Prayer
Father, thank you for calling me to a life of glory and virtue. I receive the divine nature You’ve placed within me through Your Spirit. Let Your virtues overflow in my life — love, patience, goodness, faith, and power. I refuse to walk in the flesh. I walk in the Spirit. I grow in character. I increase in grace. I shine with the very life and personality of God. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Related Bible Verses
-
2 Peter 1:3–4
-
Galatians 5:22–23
-
Romans 8:14
-
1 John 4:17
-
Philippians 2:13
-
1 John 3:9
