“[Jesus’] divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”

Living the Christian life is difficult for many reasons. One of the greatest obstacles Christians must overcome is forgetfulness of God’s promises – the very promises which give us hope so that our faith perseveres. We can only overcome this by constantly reminding ourselves of God’s promises of the future and the present. One passage that can remind us of God’s promises and our proper response is 1 Pet 1:3–11, which I have provided above in the ESV. There are five things I want us to reflect on: (1) God has given us everything we need for life and piety; (2) God has given us great promises that allow us to be partakers of the divine nature! (3) Our proper response is to supplement our faith with various virtues; (4) These qualities are for our benefit so that we can confirm our calling and election as Christians; (5) If we lack these qualities, we are blind by our choice.

Reflect on these truths. Memorize these verses. Remind yourself of God’s blessings and of our proper response. Then go do it.