Faith Supplements
Dear Friends,
When my grandmother was living, her doctor recommended that she take a nutritional supplemental shake. The online encyclopedia states that nutritional supplements include vitamins, minerals, herbs, meal supplements, sports nutrition products, natural food supplements, and other related products used to boost the nutritional content of a diet. They can be added to the diet to boost overall health and energy, to provide immune system support and reduce the risks of illness and age related conditions; to improve performance in athletic and mental activities, and to support the healing process during illness and disease. The Word of God is the same for us, it provides us with spiritual supplements to boost our "spiritual" immune system so that we are able to fight (stand) against the enemy.
The Apostle Peter gives us a good dose of supplements in 1 Peter 1:5-7. These supplements were designed to build our faith. Verse 5)) encourages us lavishly supplement our faith with goodness- “The moral qualities which constitute Christian excellence; moral virtue; religion.” Verse 6 tells us to add understanding-“The faculty of the human mind by which it apprehends the real state of things presented to it, or by which it receives or comprehends the ideas which others express and intend to communicate.” Add strength of self control-“the ability to control oneself, in particular one's emotions and desires or the expression of them in one's behavior, especially in difficult situations.” “ Add patient endurance-1 enduring trying circumstances with even temper. 2 tolerant; understanding.” Verse 7) to patient endurance add godliness-“a careful observance of the laws of God and performance of religious duties, proceeding from love and reverence for the divine character and commands; Christian obedience.” And to godliness add mercy towards your brothers and sisters-benevolence,” mildness or tenderness of heart which disposes a person to overlook injuries, or to treat an offender better than he deserves; the disposition that tempers justice, and induces an injured person to forgive trespasses and injuries, and to forbear punishment, or inflict less than law or justice will warrant.”
And to mercy towards others add unending love which is patient and kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.(see I Corinthian 13:4-5)
The Passion Translation calls these supplements, “Faith’s Ladder of Virtue.” These supplements add to our faith and continually boost our spiritual faith system, this ensures our health; spiritually, mentally, physically, and emotionally. Let’s not forget to take our daily dose.
Chanda Rose
*KJV Dictionary
*Webster 1828 Dictionary
