What does 2 Peter 1:7 mean?

Here, Peter concludes a list of character qualities begun in verse 6. These are traits we must add to our faith, if we are to live with the goodness, or "moral excellence," in which God has enabled us to walk. This is the very goodness of Jesus. Verses 5 and 6 described certain spiritual attributes, which need to be taken on in a particular order.

Now Peter writes that we must add brotherly kindness, or affection, alongside godliness. The idea is that we become motivated to do good for each other. This is supposed to come from a sense of connectedness. This is the type of connection experienced in the closest of families. And, truly, our brothers and sisters in Christ are our family. Peter calls us to "make every effort" to develop a familial affection for each other. Hard as it may be at times, we should strive to really "like" each other, so that we want to do good for one another.

Then, finally, we come to pinnacle of these qualities: love. God is love, and the goodness of Jesus was motivated both by His love for the Father and His love for us. Peter's term for "love" here comes from the Greek root word agape, which refers to a selfless, sacrificial concern for the good of others. It makes sense, then, that our ultimate reason to do good is the same self–sacrificing love that Christ showed for us.