This archive report was first published on 11 July 2020.
Published on July 11, 2020, by Joe Babendreier.
Jesus' teachings on virtues are a foundation for living a Christian life. He emphasizes patience, as seen in Matthew 5:21, where he says, “You have heard how it was said to our ancestors: You shall not kill; and if anyone does kill, he must answer for it before the court. But I say this to you, anyone who is angry with a brother will answer for it before the court.”
Humility is another virtue Jesus teaches, as in Matthew 7:3, where he says, “Why do you observe the splinter in your brother’s eye and never notice the great log in your own? And how dare you say to your brother, ‘Let me take that splinter out of your eye,’ when, look, there is a great log in your own? Hypocrite! Take the log out of your own eye first, and then you will see clearly enough to take the splinter out of your brother’s eye.”
Jesus' teachings on virtues are not just about being a good person; they are a stepping stone to a supernatural life with God. Before we can live with God in the next world, we must learn to live with each other in this world.
The major virtues, such as prudence, fortitude, temperance, and justice, are essential for living a virtuous life. So are the minor virtues, like sincerity, chastity, sobriety, honesty, and reliability.
God will not build a temple of glory on foundations of vice. As Jesus said in Matthew 5:48, “You must be perfect as your heavenly Father is.”
Living a virtuous life is not impossible; it requires effort and practice. As someone once said, “What great fear people have of committing themselves to live a Christian life. If what they do to please the world were done to please God, what saints many of them would be!”
