In 2 Peter 1:5-7, Peter talks about some very important qualities that we as Christians ought to strive to add to our lives. These qualities have often been referred to as the Christian Graces. It seems strange that that particular term is used since the word 'grace' is not found in this passage. But consider the original Greek word for 'grace' and its meaning. Grace is from the Greek word charis/5485, which is found approximately 156 times in the NT. This definition is given by Thayer's Greek-English Lexicon:
1. That which affords joy, pleasure, delight, sweetness, charm, loveliness
2. Good will, loving-kindness, favor; of the merciful kindness by which God, exerting his holy influence upon souls, turns them to Christ, keeps, strengthens, increases them in Christian faith, knowledge, affection, and kindles them to the exercise of the Christian virtues
As seen, there are 2 aspects to grace:
- That 2nd one was God's grace bestowed upon us (one we usually talk about, as we should)
- But the 1st part of that definition is also important
- It is apparently referring to something we ourselves may produce or experience
- We ourselves may say or do some things that are gracious, things that afford joy, pleasure, delight, sweetness, charm, and loveliness. We can 'grace' other people with good things.
And so how does that fit with these qualities that Peter mentions? If we have these qualities, then we will be the source of graciousness. If we have added to our faith such qualities as moral excellence, self-control, godliness, and brotherly love, then indeed we and those around us will be blessed with joy, pleasure, delight, and loveliness.
Or, as Peter says in v8-11, if we grow in these graces, then we will neither be barren nor useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. He says that these qualities can keep us from falling; they can help us and others make it to Heaven!
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