1. Love ADD TO YOUR FAITH… (2 Pet. 1:5-9)

2. Previous Characteristics faith - conviction of truth of divine things virtue - courage to choose right from wrong knowledge - understanding of God’s word self-control - mastery of thoughts, actions perseverance - staying the course godliness - seeking first to please God brotherly kindness - the special kinship and care we reserve especially for brethren

3. Introduction love (  ) – actively seeks the good of others, even at own expense ◦ pinnacle of the spiritual graces given in the gospel (1 Cor. 13:13)(Col. 3:14) ◦ not reserved, to be shown to all (Mt. 5:43-45) ◦ best seen in God (Rom. 5:8)(1 Jn. 3:16; 4:8) Christ-like love cannot be realized without the foundation of the previous graces

4. The Role of Love binds the faithful together and to God ◦ foundation of fellowship (Eph. 4:1-3, 15-16) ◦ when personalities clash (Rom. 14:14-15) ◦ when sin has been committed (James 5:19-20) (2 Thess. 3:14-15), forgiveness (2 Cor. 2:6-11) demonstrates the love of God to the lost ◦ mercy to the needy (James 2:1-13) ◦ preaching the gospel to all (Mt. 9:36-38)

5. Growing in Love reflect on love shown us by God ◦ (1 Jn. 3:16)(Lk. 7:41-43)(2 Cor. 5:14-15) make a choice to act towards our fellow man consistent with love (1 Cor. 13:4-8) pray for growth, even of love (Phil. 1:9) reject selfishness (Mk. 12:30-31)(Phil. 2:1-4)

6. Conclusion of all these Christian qualities, love is the most obvious, but also the most difficult ◦ it is the exercising of virtue, knowledge, self- control, perseverance, godliness, and brotherly kindness, all for the purpose of God and others ◦ yet, we will enjoy the fruit that is born through spiritual growth and faithfulness keep growing into Christ! (2 Pet. 3:17-18)