How to Live a Virtuous Life by Myra Kahn Adams for Town Hall
Thanks for joining our study, especially if you are a first-timer. Today we will focus on passages in 2 Peter 1: 3-8. If you are striving to become a better person (and who isn’t?), consider embracing these verses as you would a self-help manual.
Peter, often known as St. Peter, was one of Christ’s apostles and mentioned in all four gospels. Catholics acclaim him as the first pope. Peter is thought to have been martyred in Rome by Emperor Nero sometime between A.D. 65 and 68. Tradition says he was crucified, and some believe upside down. Thus, the words Jesus speaks in John: 21:18-19 are often interpreted as a prophecy of Peter’s crucifixion.
In today’s lesson, Peter describes the virtues that will lead to a successful life as a believer in Christ Jesus. We are urged to lead lives of virtue, but first, let’s define its meaning. Merriam Webster says virtue is “conformity to a standard of right, particular moral excellence, morally good behavior or character.”
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We love helping others and believe that’s one of the reasons we are chosen as Ambassadors of the Kingdom, to serve God’s children. We look to the Greatest Commandment as our Powering force.
If you do not profess to be a believer in Christ but act in this manner, know that you exemplify virtuous Godly behavioral traits and should consider connecting with Jesus through prayer because He has called you to Him.
Now, let’s read what Peter writes about what Jesus has given us:
“His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.”
“For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 1: 3-8).
