In Catholicism, virtue is defined as a habitual and firm disposition to do good, aligning one’s actions with moral principles and the teachings of Christ. It enables individuals to act according to reason and faith, fostering moral excellence and a closer relationship with God.
Scripture
8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
Virtue Defined in Catholicism: A Biblical Perspective
In Catholicism, virtue is deeply intertwined with the moral teachings of Scripture, signifying a habitual commitment to act in accordance with God’s will. The Catechism of the Catholic Church further explains that virtues are firm attitudes, stable dispositions, and habitual perfections of intellect and will, which govern our actions, order our passions, and guide our conduct according to reason and faith (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1804). This concept is rooted in biblical passages such as Philippians 4:8, where St. Paul urges believers to think on whatever is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, and commendable. By emphasizing these traits, Scripture illuminates the path of virtue as aligning the heart and mind with God’s goodness, thus nurturing both personal and communal righteousness.
Moreover, virtue is seen as essential in pursuing holiness and growing in relationship with God, encapsulated in passages like Galatians 5:22-23, where the fruits of the Spirit, including love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, fidelity, gentleness, and self-control, are described as manifestations of a virtuous life. These virtues are not merely individual aspirations but reflect a community of believers, called to embody Christ’s love and grace in the world. Thus, virtue, as understood in Catholic teaching and biblical context, stands as an essential foundation for moral living, guiding believers towards the fulfillment of the greatest commandment: to love God and neighbor, thereby cultivating a life that is both morally excellent and fully reflective of Christ’s teachings.
In Catholicism, the understanding of virtue is further enriched by the theological distinction between cardinal and theological virtues. Cardinal virtues—prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance—serve as the foundational elements for all moral actions. They are practical habits that shape human behavior, enabling individuals to make sound decisions in everyday life. The Catechism emphasizes that through the practice of these virtues, one learns to engage with the world effectively while remaining anchored in moral truth (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1805). The virtuous person, grounded in these cardinal virtues, acts with wisdom and justice, balances courage with moderation, and ultimately fosters personal growth and social harmony.
Meanwhile, the theological virtues—faith, hope, and charity—elevate the believer’s connection to God, transcending natural capacities. These virtues are considered gifts from God, enabling individuals to relate to the divine, to trust in God’s providence, and to engage in selfless love for others. This is articulated in the writings of St. Paul, particularly in 1 Corinthians 13, where he describes love (charity) as the greatest virtue, echoing the ultimate fulfillment of the commandment to love. In Catholic thought, the interplay between cardinal and theological virtues creates a holistic approach to morality, challenging believers not only to cultivate personal virtue but also to seek a deeper relationship with God, ultimately leading to a flourishing in virtue that bears witness to the transformative power of divine grace in daily life.
The Nature of Virtue as a Habitual Disposition
In Catholicism, virtue is understood as a habitual disposition that inclines individuals to act in accordance with moral good. This means that virtues are not merely isolated actions but rather ingrained qualities that shape a person’s character and behavior over time. The cultivation of virtues leads to a consistent practice of moral excellence, enabling individuals to respond to various situations with integrity and righteousness. This understanding emphasizes the importance of developing virtues through repeated actions and conscious choices, ultimately forming a virtuous character.
The Role of Virtue in the Pursuit of Holiness
Virtue is central to the Catholic understanding of holiness, which is the call for all believers to grow closer to God and reflect His nature in their lives. The practice of virtue is seen as a pathway to sanctification, where individuals strive to embody the qualities of Christ. This pursuit of holiness through virtue involves not only personal moral development but also a commitment to love and serve others, reflecting the communal aspect of faith. By living virtuously, Catholics believe they participate in the divine life and contribute to the building of God’s Kingdom on earth.
The Interconnection of Theological and Cardinal Virtues
Catholicism distinguishes between theological virtues (faith, hope, and charity) and cardinal virtues (prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance). The theological virtues are seen as gifts from God that enable believers to relate to Him, while the cardinal virtues are considered foundational for moral living and ethical decision-making. This interconnection highlights that true virtue encompasses both a relationship with God and the practical application of moral principles in daily life. Together, these virtues guide Catholics in their moral choices and foster a holistic approach to living a virtuous life.
How to Pursue Moral Excellence as a Christian
Pursuing moral excellence as a Christian is a journey that requires intentionality and a heart open to transformation. It begins with immersing yourself in Scripture, allowing God’s Word to shape your values and guide your decisions. Reflect on passages like 2 Peter 1:5-7, which encourages us to add to our faith virtues such as knowledge, self-control, and love. Surround yourself with a community of believers who challenge and inspire you to live out your faith authentically. Remember, moral excellence isn’t about perfection but about progress; it’s about striving to reflect Christ in your daily actions, seeking forgiveness when you stumble, and extending grace to others as you grow. Pray earnestly for wisdom and strength, and be willing to step out of your comfort zone, knowing that each small act of kindness and integrity contributes to a life that honors God.
Bible References to Virtue in Catholicism:
2 Peter 1:5-7: 5 For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge,
6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness,
7 and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love.
Galatians 5:22-23: 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
Colossians 3:12-14: 12 Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience,
13 bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.
14 And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7: 4 Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant
5 or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful;
6 it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth.
7 Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
Romans 12:9-13: Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.
10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.
11 Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.
12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.
13 Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.
Ephesians 4:1-3: I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called,
2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,
3 eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
James 3:13-17: 13 Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom.
14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth.
15 This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.
16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.
17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.
1 Timothy 6:11-12: 11 But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness.
12 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
Titus 2:11-14: 11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people,
12 training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age,
13 waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,
14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.
2 Timothy 2:22-25: 22 So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.
23 Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels.
24 And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil,
25 correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth,
1 Peter 3:8-12: 8 Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.
9 Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing.
10 For “Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit;
11 let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it.
For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer.
Proverbs 31:10-31: 10 An excellent wife who can find?
She is far more precious than jewels.
11 The heart of her husband trusts in her,
and he will have no lack of gain.
12 She does him good, and not harm,
all the days of her life.
13 She seeks wool and flax, and works with willing hands.
14 She is like the ships of the merchant;
she brings her food from afar.
15 She rises while it is yet night and provides food for her household and portions for her maidens.
16 She considers a field and buys it;
with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.
17 She dresses herself with strength
and makes her arms strong.
18 She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. Her lamp does not go out at night.
19 She puts her hands to the distaff,
and her hands hold the spindle.
20 She opens her hand to the poor
and reaches out her hands to the needy.
21 She is not afraid of snow for her household,
for all her household are clothed in scarlet.
22 She makes bed coverings for herself;
her clothing is fine linen and purple.
23 Her husband is known in the gates when he sits among the elders of the land.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them; she delivers sashes to the merchant.
25 Strength and dignity are her clothing,
and she laughs at the time to come.
26 She opens her mouth with wisdom,
and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
27 She looks well to the ways of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children rise up and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:
29 “Many women have done excellently,
but you surpass them all.”
30 Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
31 Give her of the fruit of her hands,
and let her works praise her in the gates.
Matthew 5:3-12: 3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
5 “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.”
6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.”
12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Romans 5:3-5: 3 Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance,
4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope,
5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.
Rev. François Dupont is a dedicated church minister with a wealth of experience in serving spiritual communities. With a calm and serene demeanor, he has been devoted to sharing the message of love, compassion, and tolerance for over two decades. Through his thoughtful sermons, compassionate counseling, and unwavering support, Rev. Dupont has touched the lives of countless individuals, allowing them to find solace and strength during difficult times. His serene presence and deep understanding of the human condition make him a trusted guide for those seeking spiritual nourishment and guidance.