precious

Yesterday evening, Matt had the Bible study. We talked about the different ways that the word 'precious' is used in I and II Peter - in reference to our personal faith, the blood of the Christ, Jesus Himself, the Faith, and the promises of God.

I Peter
1:7  That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:

1:19  But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:

2:4 - 7  To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,

II Peter
1:1  Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ:

1:4  Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

Perhaps what stood out to me the most is that things that are precious come at a cost - the blood of Christ, the trial of our faith... those things that we hold most dear to us are maybe those that require the most work, the most sacrifice - ultimately, the most love. But it is worth it all!