Living the Virtues in Everyday Life

Loyola Press

Leading a virtuous life sound like something that is just for the super religious people out there. But it is really something each one of us can aim for. God gives us the awesome gifts of the theological virtues of faith, hope, and love. Plus, there are a ton of other virtues that we can develop on our own.

For example, there are the virtues of temperance, prudence, courage, and justice. These virtues came from classic Western philosophy (think Plato and Aristotle) and were repackaged by Church heavyweights such as Saint Augustine and Saint Thomas Aquinas so that they connected with the Christian faith. These four virtues are known as the cardinal virtues because they are critical to forming our moral values and guiding our behavior. In addition to the cardinal virtues, there are many other virtues that we can develop. Check out Isaiah 11:2 and Galatians 5:22-23 for more.

Once you’ve had a chance to look at all the different virtues out there, you begin to see that there is quite a range to choose from. Did you know that good humor is a virtue? Imagination and curiosity are also virtues. All of a sudden, leading a virtuous life might not seem half bad. Who wouldn’t want to be creative, happy, courageous, trustworthy, or focused? We might not label these things as “virtues” or make them top priority, but the fact is, most of us live the virtues every day. Even something as small as being tactful or friendly is virtuous.

The upshot is that leading a virtuous life is not just for the super religious (if there even is such a thing). It’s for you and me and for all people who want to be true to themselves. Living the virtues helps us be real and go after our dreams. Living the virtues helps us be more aware of the people around us and help them when we can. Living the virtues helps us see the beauty in the world, especially in nature, and moves us to care for these as the precious gifts they are. Living the virtues helps us get more in tune with God.

Spend some time looking over the virtues, especially the theological virtues of faith, hope, and love. Read Chapter 13 of Saint Paul’s letter to the Corinthians in which he talks about what love means in our lives. Think about the virtues that you are already living in your life and what you’d like to develop. Above all, practice random acts of virtue whenever you have the chance!

FrontPage
Is this year’s Lent another season for “giving up” something?
When asked what Catholics are doing for Lent this year, they will probably mention giving up a favourite food, a beloved pastime, or anything else they cherish but isn't essential in their lives.
Many people, unfortunately, view Lent merely as…
Winning Family
Celebrate the coming of our Lord

As we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Saviour, we need to reflect on our relationship with him. It is not an easy task for man to stay faithful to Christ especially when we consider the ups and downs of…

Our Faith
Ash Wednesday
Ash Wednesday is one of the most popular and important holy days in the liturgical calendar. Ash Wednesday opens Lent,…
Catholic Living
The Heavy Burdens We Carry
I have been thinking a great deal about my experience at Reconciliation this past Saturday. I felt an intense and…
Faith & Business
4 Ways To Optimise Your Lent Using Business Techniques
Catholic tradition sets aside the 40 days prior to Easter as a period of prayer, penance, and repentance. I typically…
Young & Catholic
Young People Need Quiet Time, Too!
Personal reflection can lead to prayer.
Do you ever feel like life is one constant whirlwind of noise and non-stop…
Tonic For The Soul
Fasting and Abstinence
It is a traditional doctrine of Christian spirituality that a constituent part of repentance, of turning away from sin and…
Young & Catholic
Sts. Perpetua and Felicity
Sts. Perpetua and Felicity were Christian martyrs who lived during the early persecution of the Church in…

Videos Of The Month

What to Give up for Lent? | Best Things to Give up for Lenten Season
Welcome to our Lenten journey! We explore the age-old tradition of making sacrifices during Lent and offer practical tips for the season....

Another Mc.Rufus Interactive / CouchCMS Design