But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. 2 Peter 1:5-7

 Earlier this week we celebrated Valentines Day. A day to love someone special in your life. On that day’s blog I talked about loving someone whom you’ve lost the love for either through a disagreement or hurt feelings. The pain this person caused you has probably been imbedded in you like a thorn in your hand; all the while you are asking how you could possibly love this person again.

 Today’s passage caught my attention this morning as I thought about the process of love. In order to love in a godly manner, the process has to start within yourself. The godly traits (listed above) developed within yourself take time through bible study, prayer and transforming your mind (Romans 12:2) into the mind of Jesus Christ. You can’t do it on your own, the flesh will always lean in the direction of worldly behavior and thoughts of hate, revenge, remembrance of the pain…etc. Knowledge gained about Jesus Christ’s response to the vicious attacks and insults from His haters will help you see clearly, His way is counter to fleshly thinking.

 And His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue. 2 Peter 1:3

 Start this week to work on your heart, ask God to help transform your mind to one after His, read His word to gain understanding of His love for the unloving and watch these godly traits begin to shape and mold you into the image of Jesus Christ. You can love again; it takes time and with His help you can do it!