Virtue

Virtue in Christ

I must be poor and want, before I can exercise the virtue of gratitude; miserable and in torment, before I can exercise the virtue of patience.

The apostle Peter commanded that we add to our faith, virtue. But, also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge (2Peter 1:5)

As a Christian you must have a virtuous character. Virtue Begins with Becoming a Christian

Moral excellence begins with diligent faith (2 Pet. 1:5). Since faith demands hearing and obeying God's word (Rom. 10:17; Heb. 11:1), the first step toward moral excellence is obedience to God in repentance from sin, confession of Christ, and baptism into Christ for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38; 8:37-38; Rom. 6:3).

At the time we repent, we turn away from sin to obediently serve God. Therefore, we are baptized making our appeal to God for a good conscience (1 Pet. 3:21). With a good conscience, we begin a morally excellent life. Unbelievers, on the other hand, are not morally excellent since they do not believe and have not appealed to God for a good conscience.

In God’s word you will find what God’s standards is to be a virtuous Christian.

Virtue is moral excellence. God is absolute virtue (excellence, 2 Pet. 1:3). Since God has given us all things that pertain to life and godliness (2 Pet. 1:3), He has given us the standard for moral excellence in His word (2 Tim. 3:16-17). It all falls back on us to get into God’s word so that we can learn, get wisdom, and knowledge to be able to lead the lost sheep back to Christ. Without virtue you cannot feel the emptiness that is within you. We cannot live by the world's standard and expect to go to heaven (Is. 55:8-9). When we live according to the law and doctrine of Christ, we are virtuous (Gal. 6:2; Col. 3:17; 2 Jn. 1:9). As we grow spiritually, we grow in: faith, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness and love, therefore, we become increasingly virtuous. 2 Peter 1:5&7

As a Christian you will never be able to escape all the different influences of sin, but you must work hard to keep sin away, watch who you are interacting with, do not allow yourself to sin in your mind, for sin is not a virtue of Christ. Absolute virtue is possessed by God (2 Pet. 1:3). 3 His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to. As God's children, we strive to imitate Him each and every day ( Matt. 5:48) 48Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

Where do you stand?

Will you eternally live in the midst of virtue while worshiping before God's throne? Or, will you only get a glimpse of God's virtue as you stand condemned before the judgment seat of Christ (2 Cor. 5:10)? 10For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it is good or bad.

God bless you my family and friends, May you find virtue in God’s word and an eternal life thru doing so. Amen!