Therefore I intend always to remind you of these qualities, though you know them and are established in the truth that you have. 2 Peter 1:12

“Don’t forget to take the trash out before you leave.” “Make sure you grab your jacket; it’s cold outside.” Being reminded isn’t always enjoyable, but certain times call for its necessity. Peter is about to go the way of all the earth and he is concerned that the church continues to be partakers of the divine nature; simply, that the church take on the moral qualities of God Himself. After laying out these qualities in vv. 5–7, Peter states a few verses later (1:12), “I intend always to remind you of these qualities,” for they produce the fruit that God desires.

We know that we are supposed to be like Jesus. But sometimes we need the reminder, not to demean anyone’s intelligence, but rather to spur one another on to Christ-likeness—the goal laid out before us. A helpful way to remember the qualities that Peter writes about are to see them in action by Jesus Himself. Thus, I will not define these below, but rather demonstrate them.

Peter says, “⁵For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, ⁶and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, ⁷and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love.” Let’s recall how Jesus demonstrated these.

• Virtue: Jesus forgave Peter after denying Him three times (Matt. 26:69–75; John 21:15–19). What honorable action amidst such a difficult situation.
• Knowledge: Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man (Luke 2:52). What time spent, seeking God and His will.
• Self-control: Jesus was open handed after being smacked in the face (Mark 14:65). What restrain of emotion.
• Steadfastness: Jesus was faithful when tempted by the devil in the desert (Matt. 4:1–11). What resolve to stand with God.
• Godliness: Jesus had compassion on the hungry and lost (Mark 6:34). What reflection of the heart of God.
• Brotherly Love: Jesus ate with sinners and tax collectors (Mark 2:16–17). What hospitality to outsiders.
• Love: Jesus laid down His life for the ungodly (John 10:11). What sacrifice for the sake of others.

Take some time and meditate on the divine nature displayed perfectly in the Son of God. Think about these actions in your settings and situations. And pray that God would work these things in you for His glory. Remember, we can be these things too in Christ. In fact, the past examples of Christ become the present examples of His church thanks to God’s Spirit.