What does the apostle Peter mean when he speaks of "giving all diligence" that we should add to our faith these qualities of virtue, or moral excellence? He means that we will work at being consistent in our trying to obtain these things that he has mentioned here in verses 5-8. Virtue (moral excellence), knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and Christian love.
When you yield obedience to God, to do His will, and you live out the principles of obedience in being diligent to exercise faith, when you pursue virtue (that is, moral excellence and good works), and you add to that knowledge and self-control and perseverance, when you develop godliness in your life; when this then leads you to brotherly kindness, and you have a love for all men in terms of their being saved, Peter says if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of Christ. |