2 Peter 1:5-9

Expanded Bible

⁵ ·Because you have these blessings [^LFor this very reason; ^Cthe reasons stated in vv. 3–4], ·do your best [make every effort; strive] to ·add these things to [or increase these things in] your lives: to your faith, add ·goodness [virtue; moral excellence]; and to your ·goodness [virtue; moral excellence], add knowledge; ⁶ and to your knowledge, add self-control; and to your self-control, add ·patience [or perseverance]; and to your ·patience [or perseverance], add ·service for God [devotion; piety; godliness]; ⁷ and to your ·service for God [devotion; piety; godliness], add ·kindness for your brothers and sisters in Christ [affection for fellow believers; ^Lbrotherly love/affection; ^CGreek: philadelphia]; and to ·this kindness [affection; ^Lbrotherly love/affection], add love [^CGreek: agapē]. ⁸ If all these things are in you and are ·growing [increasing], they will ·help you to be useful and productive [^Lkeep you from being ineffective/idle and unfruitful/unproductive] in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. ⁹ ·But [or For] anyone who does not have these things ·cannot see clearly [is nearsighted]. He is blind [1 John 2:11; Rev. 3:17] ·and [or because he] has forgotten that he was made clean from his past sins.