As we embark on this year of spiritual growth, our theme—Rooted in Virtue: A Year of Spiritual Growth—challenges us to consider how deeply rooted virtues like love, patience, kindness, and forgiveness can shape our spiritual journeys. The Apostle Paul reminds us in Colossians 2:6-7 (NASB), “Therefore, as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude.”
Being rooted in virtue means establishing a firm foundation in Christ, allowing His character to transform ours. Each month, we will explore a different virtue, identifying how we can grow in these traits, even amidst the challenges of life. Today, we focus on how virtue can guide us in our Christian walk and the foundational role it plays in our relationship with God.
Virtue in the Life of the Believer
Virtue, at its core, refers to moral excellence and uprightness. As believers, we are called to live virtuous lives that reflect God's character. However, this isn't always easy. In fact, it can feel incredibly difficult to embody virtues consistently. We face a constant battle with temptation, doubt, and our own weaknesses. Yet, Scripture calls us to press on and pursue virtue with the strength and grace God provides.
In 2 Peter 1:5-7 (NASB), we are instructed to “apply all diligence, in your faith, supply moral excellence (virtue), and in your moral excellence, knowledge; and in your knowledge, self-control; and in your self-control, perseverance; and in your perseverance, godliness; and in your godliness, brotherly kindness; and in your brotherly kindness, love.” These virtues build upon one another, creating a picture of a mature believer whose life is rooted in Christ.
Struggles with Virtue: Failure, Doubt, and Temptation
The truth is, cultivating virtue is not an easy task. We all experience failure, doubt, and temptation. Sometimes, we may feel like we're taking one step forward and two steps back. Failure can discourage us, and doubt can make us question whether we will ever fully embody the virtues God calls us to. Temptation, too, is ever-present, and it’s easy to fall into the trap of responding in ways that contradict the virtues we seek to live out.
Let’s be honest: living a virtuous life is a process, and sometimes that process feels messy. In those moments of failure or temptation, it’s crucial to remember that virtue isn’t something we simply achieve overnight. It’s a journey of becoming more like Christ each day. That journey involves grace, perseverance, and the understanding that we will stumble along the way, but we can get back up with God’s help.
The Process: Growing in Virtue
The process of growing in virtue begins with our relationship with Christ. Just as a plant grows when its roots are firmly planted in fertile soil, so too do we grow when we remain deeply rooted in God’s Word and in fellowship with Him. The more we seek to know God’s heart, the more our lives will reflect His character. Romans 12:2 (NASB) reminds us, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.”
Growth in virtue isn’t about perfection; it’s about progress. Every time we fail, we learn. Every time we doubt, we lean into God's promises for strength. Every time temptation arises, we have the opportunity to choose God’s way over our own.
Grace: Empowering Us to Walk in Virtue
In the midst of our struggles, grace is the constant force that empowers us to live out the virtues God calls us to. Grace is God’s unmerited favor, and it’s the fuel we need to keep going, even when we feel weak. 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NASB) says, “But He has said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.’ Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.”
Whenever we fall short, God's grace is there to restore us. It’s not about our ability to be perfect—it’s about God’s perfect ability to work in and through us, even in our imperfections.
Perseverance: Pressing On in Faith
One of the greatest aspects of walking in virtue is perseverance. It’s easy to give up when we face failure, doubt, or temptation, but the Bible calls us to endure. James 1:4 (NASB) teaches, “And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” Perseverance allows us to grow in virtue as we trust God’s process.
When we persevere, we not only grow stronger in our character but also build a testimony of faith. Others will see how God has worked in us, and it will serve as a powerful example of His grace at work in our lives.
Conclusion: A Life Rooted in Virtue
The journey of cultivating virtue is ongoing and requires patience with ourselves. The apostle Paul says in Philippians 1:6 (NASB), “For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.” It’s not about instant perfection but about trusting God to complete the work He started in us.
As we cultivate virtues like love, kindness, humility, and patience, we are taking steps toward spiritual maturity. These virtues are not just personal qualities; they are reflections of God’s own character. When we walk in virtue, we draw closer to God and reflect His love to the world.
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the call to live virtuous lives that reflect Your character. We acknowledge the struggles we face in our pursuit of these virtues, but we also trust in Your grace to empower us. Help us to persevere in our journey of spiritual growth, and may we remain rooted in Your love and truth. Strengthen us with Your grace, guide us with Your wisdom, and help us to reflect Your virtue in all that we do. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Let us remember that we are a work in progress, but through His grace, we can be rooted in virtue, becoming more like Christ every day. May this year be a year of spiritual growth, and may we continue to press on toward the goal of becoming the people God has called us to be.
