Developing a Christ-Like Character in Everyday Life
Introduction
The second letter of Peter is a heartfelt message from an apostle who knows his time is short. He wants to warn believers about the dangers of false teachers and urges them to remember the teachings given by Jesus’ apostles. But his final and most important command is this: “Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18). So what does it really mean to grow in the knowledge of Jesus, and how can we be sure we’re doing it right? Let’s break it down in simple terms.
What Does It Mean to Grow in the Knowledge of Jesus?
Growing in the knowledge of Jesus isn’t just about memorizing facts or knowing Bible stories. Peter tells us in 2 Peter 1:5-8 that it’s about developing eight qualities—sometimes called “graces”—that make us more like Jesus. These are:
· Faith: Strong trust and confidence in God’s promises.
· Virtue: Choosing what’s morally right and good.
· Knowledge: Having correct understanding, not just facts.
· Self-control: Mastering your impulses and desires.
· Perseverance: Keeping steady and faithful, even during tough times.
· Godliness: Living in a way that shows devotion to God.
· Brotherly kindness: Caring for fellow believers as family.
· Love: Showing goodwill and compassion to everyone.
Peter says we need to “abound” in these qualities, not just know about them. True growth means we’re becoming more like Jesus, who perfectly embodied all these characteristics. In fact, the Greek word for “knowledge” here isn’t just head knowledge—it means being thoroughly acquainted with someone, knowing them deeply and personally. That kind of knowledge comes as we live out these qualities and let them shape who we are.
How Do These Qualities Work Together?
Peter uses the word “add” repeatedly, showing that each quality builds on the one before it. Think of it like playing in a choir—each voice adds something unique, but all must work together to make beautiful music. For example, knowledge is important, but without self-control, it’s hard to use that knowledge wisely. And self-control needs perseverance so we keep doing what’s right day after day. We can’t just pick and choose our favorite qualities; we need them all, working together in harmony.
Why Is Diligence Needed?
Growing in Christ-like character doesn’t just happen by accident or over time without effort. Peter talks about “diligence,” which means putting in real work—earnest, enthusiastic effort. Like the story of the teacher who repeated her first year of experience 25 times, we might spend years as Christians but not truly grow unless we’re intentional about developing these qualities. Without diligence, we run the risk of just going through the motions instead of truly changing.
Why Should We Want to Grow in This Knowledge?
1. Grace and Peace Are Multiplied
2. The more we become like Jesus, the more we experience God’s favor and peace in our lives. These aren’t just nice words—they’re blessings that grow deeper as our relationship with Christ grows.
3. All Things for Life and Godliness Are Provided
4. God gives us everything we need for a full, spiritual life through knowing Jesus. That includes powerful promises and freedom from the things that drag us down.
5. We Avoid Spiritual Shortsightedness and Forgetfulness
6. Without growth, our faith can become shallow and forget why we were saved in the first place: not just to have our sins forgiven, but to become more like Jesus.
7. We Will Never Stumble (in the Ultimate Sense)
8. Growing in these qualities helps keep us from falling away from God. It doesn’t mean we’ll never make mistakes, but we won’t lose our way spiritually.
9. An Abundant Entrance into God’s Kingdom
10. When we develop a Christ-like character, we don’t just scrape by—we enter God’s kingdom with joy and confidence, living victoriously now and looking forward to eternal life.
Conclusion
Are these reasons enough to pursue growth in the knowledge of Jesus Christ? Absolutely! As we develop these eight qualities—with faith, virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love—they work together to transform us. It takes diligence and effort, but it’s worth it. The more we grow, the more we experience God’s grace, peace, and promises, and the closer we become to Christ Himself. Let’s make it our goal not just to know about Jesus, but to truly know Him by allowing His character to shape our own.
Minister A Francine Green
February 2026
afrancinegreen.com 