The Goal of the Christian Life

The goal of the Christian life is not to know more or do more or appear more spiritual.

The goal is to become like Jesus. And the defining characteristic of Jesus is love.

“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” — John 13:35

“The fruit of the Spirit is love…” — Galatians 5:22

“The greatest of these is love.” — 1 Corinthians 13:13

The early church wasn’t just known for powerful preaching or miracles.

They were known for how they loved one another.

So what if our discipleship focused, first and foremost, on love?

Not soft sentimentality—but the kind of gritty, enduring, others-focused love that reflects Jesus.

That’s the premise of this book: Becoming Love.

A Ladder Toward Love

Thankfully, we’re not left to guess how to become loving.

In 2 Peter 1:3–11, the apostle Peter outlines a progression—a discipleship pathway—that begins with faith and ends in love. It’s a ladder of transformation. Each step builds on the last. Each one stretches us further toward Christlikeness.

Here’s how Peter puts it:

“For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith, goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love.” — 2 Peter 1:5–7

It’s not a checklist—it’s a process. A movement. A progression from spiritual infancy to maturity.

Let’s look at each step more closely.

Step 1: Faith — Trusting the God Who Loves You

Everything begins here. Faith is the first rung on the ladder.

But faith isn’t just believing that God exists. It’s trusting His heart.

Faith is what lets us come empty-handed, broken, and honest, knowing that grace will meet us.

Peter begins his passage with these words:

“His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life…” (v. 3)

Faith is not trying harder. It’s trusting deeper.

And it’s the doorway through which love enters our lives.

Step 2: Goodness (Aretē) — Doing What Love Would Do

The Greek word Peter uses here is aretē, often translated “moral excellence” or “virtue.”

This is where love takes action—before we feel it.

It’s that small voice that says: “Choose what’s right. Be honest. Be kind. Forgive again.”

Goodness is love in practice—when you choose the right thing even when no one is watching.

It’s holding your tongue.

It’s returning the cart at the grocery store.

It’s helping a neighbor when you're tired.

Goodness is the first way love grows roots.

Step 3: Knowledge — Learning How to Love Well

Love requires wisdom.

Peter says to add knowledge to goodness. Why? Because we need to know:

Who God really is.

Who people really are.

How love really works.

Knowledge helps love become intelligent, not just emotional.

It gives us discernment. It shows us when love says “yes” and when it says “no.”

The more you know God—and the more you understand people—the more gracious, thoughtful, and effective your love becomes.