Virtue

<<good qualities>>

These are desirable moral and ethical principles or characteristics that should be increasingly evident in our lives as we grow ‘in Christ’ who is the manifestation of these positive character qualities. As people belonging to God His attributes (God nature) should be increasingly evidenced in our lives as we are transformed into the image of Christ (Rom 8:29; 1 Pet 2:9; 2 Pet 1:3-8). Ruth, Daniel and Joseph are some of the people the Bible records as having virtuous character qualities (Ruth 3:11; Dan 6:4; Mt 1:19).

Responding to trials in the right way develops virtue, with the fruit coming from our lives revealing the inner root (Lk 6:43-45). Daily we are given numerous choices; will we turn from the wrong, worldly and self-centred way to embrace the right, God-honouring path?

Primarily our lives are to be lived in relationship with God, yet we should also endeavour to “Do what is right in the eyes of other Christians cultivating the virtues of love and generosity" (Rom 12:17). After giving a list of several moral qualities that should be evident in our lives the Bible instructs, "And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them together in perfect unity" (Col 3:14). By doing what He has instructed us to do, the life of Christ will flow through us, ministering to the needs of people (Mk 16:15-18; Jn 7:38, 14:12). Of ourselves we don’t have the power, influence or strength – this only comes as we are connected to Him and remain in vital relationship (Zech 4:6; Jn 5:30, 15:4).

The Bible teaches that no one is inherently perfect as we all have sinned and fallen short of God’s standards, so we cannot rely on ourselves to act properly (Mk 10:18; Rom 3:23). It warns, “If you think you are standing firm, be careful you don’t fall” as through yielding to temptation we can quickly fall from righteousness, losing our reputation and character (1 Cor 10:12).

See also: character, fruit (of the Spirit), self-discipline, temptation.