Virtues of faith in everyday life
Peter had made numerous mistakes in his life. These made him realize that after reconciliation with God the Father through God's grace, concrete steps should be taken while we live "as strangers and aliens" in this unpredictable world. The outspoken apostle left us, in written form, seven essential "virtues of faith." These call us to a practical Christian lifestyle—a task of utmost importance and lasting significance. For Peter, faith is the most important principle, and he describes it as follows: "Therefore make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherhood; and to brotherhood, love." (2. Petr 1,5-7).
The belief
The word "faith" derives from the Greek "pistis" and essentially denotes complete trust in God's promises. This trust is vividly illustrated by the example of the patriarch Abraham: "He did not doubt God's promise through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith and gave glory to God, knowing with absolute certainty that what God promises, he can also fulfill." (Röm 4,20-21).
If we do not believe in the work of redemption that God has done in Christ, we have no basis for the Christian life: “Paul and Silas said, ‘Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you and your household will be saved!’” (Apg 16,31)The Old Testament patriarch Abraham, referred to in the New Testament as the "father of believers," left the region of present-day Iraq to set out for Canaan, the promised land. He did this even though he did not know his destination: "By faith Abraham, when he was called to go to a place he was to inherit, obeyed; and he went, not knowing where he was going." (Hebr 11,8)He relied entirely on God's promises, trusting them wholeheartedly and aligning his actions accordingly.
Today we find ourselves in a situation similar to Abraham's: Our world is uncertain and fragile. We don't know whether the future will bring improvements or whether the situation will worsen. Especially in these times, it is important to have trust—the faith that God will guide us and our families safely. Faith is the proof and the God-given assurance available to our minds and hearts that God provides for us and that everything works together for our good: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." (Röm 8,28).
The faith of Jesus Christ sets Christians apart from all other people. Pistis, trust in the Savior and Redeemer through which one is adopted into the family of God, is the basis of all other Christian qualities.
Virtue
The first complement to faith is virtue. The Greek term "arete" is interpreted in the New Geneva Translation (NGÜ) as "strength of character" and can also be understood as exemplary behavior. Therefore, faith fosters and strengthens strength of character. The word arete was used by the Greeks in reference to their gods. It means excellence, eminence, and courage—something that transcends the ordinary and commonplace. Socrates demonstrated virtue when he drank the hemlock to remain true to his principles. Likewise, Jesus showed strength of character when he resolutely embarked on his final journey to Jerusalem, despite a gruesome fate awaiting him there: "Now when the fullness of time had come for him to be taken up into heaven, he turned his face, determined to go to Jerusalem." (Lk 9,51).
Exemplary behavior means not only talking but also acting. Paul demonstrated great courage and virtue when he proclaimed his firm intention to visit Jerusalem, even though the Holy Spirit had clearly shown him that danger threatened: “Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” (Apg 21,13)This kind of devotion, rooted in arete, strengthened and encouraged the early church. Virtue includes good works and acts of service, which we find throughout the early church. James emphasized that “faith without works is useless.” (Jak 2,20).
understanding
In conjunction with faith, strength of character contributes to knowledge. The Holy Spirit inspired Peter to use the Greek word "gnosis" instead of the term "sophia," frequently used in the New Testament for wisdom. Knowledge in the sense of gnosis is not the result of intellectual effort, but rather a spiritual insight granted by the Holy Spirit. This insight focuses on the person of Jesus Christ and the Word of God: "By faith we understand that the universe was created at God’s command, and that what is seen was not made out of what is visible." (Hebr 11,3).
Scriptural knowledge based on experience corresponds to the concept of "know-how," through which we develop practical skills in the everyday life of the Christian faith. Paul recognized that the Sanhedrin consisted of Sadducees and Pharisees and used this knowledge to play the groups off against each other and protect himself. (Apg 23,1-9).
How often do we wish we possessed this ability, especially when facing a bank teller, a government official, a superior, or an unjust accuser? Saying the right thing in the appropriate measure is an art in which we may ask our Heavenly Father for help: “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” (Jak 1,5).
Moderation
Faith, virtue, and knowledge alone are not enough for a Christian life. God calls every Christian to a disciplined life, to temperance. The Greek word "egkrateia" means self-control or self-restraint. This control of the will, guided by the Holy Spirit, ensures that reason always prevails over passion or emotion. Paul practiced such abstinence, as is evident in his words: "But I do not run aimlessly; I do not fight with my fist as one beats the air. But I discipline my body and subdue it, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified." (1. Kor 9,26-27).
On that harrowing night in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus revealed self-mastery and self-control as his human nature urged him to escape the horror of crucifixion. This perfect divine self-discipline is only attainable when it originates in God Himself.
Patience
Faith, surrounded by virtue, knowledge, and self-control, fosters the development of patience and perseverance. The full meaning of the Greek word "hupomone," which is translated into German as "Geduld" (patience) or "Durchhalten" (perseverance), seems too passive. While the term "hupomone" does denote patience, it is a goal-oriented patience directed toward a worthwhile and realistic objective. It is not merely about passively waiting, but about persevering with expectation and unwavering determination. The Greeks used this term for a plant that thrives even under difficult and adverse conditions. In the Epistle to the Hebrews, "hupomone" (endurance) is associated with a perseverance that endures and flourishes in anticipation of victory, even under difficult conditions: "Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." (Hebr 12,1-2).
This means, for example, patiently waiting for healing when we are ill, or waiting for a positive outcome to a request to God. The Psalms are full of calls to perseverance: “I wait for the Lord; my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope.” (Ps 130,5).
These requests are accompanied by a firm trust in God's loving power to be armed against all the challenges that life throws at us. With steadfastness comes liveliness and optimism, not wanting to give up. This determination is even stronger than our fear of death.
piety
The next virtue that develops from the foundation of faith is "Eusebeia," or piety. This term refers to the human obligation to reverently fear God: "Everything that leads to life and piety has been given to us by his divine power through the knowledge of him who called us by his glory and power." (2. Petr 1,3).
Our lives should clearly reflect the extraordinary characteristics of the life given from above. Those around us should be able to recognize that we are children of the heavenly Father. Paul reminds us: “For physical training is of some value, but godliness is valuable for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.” (1. Tim 4,8).
Our behavior should resemble God's, not through our own strength, but through Jesus, who lives in us: “Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.” (Röm 12,17-19).
Brotherly love
The first five of the virtues mentioned relate to the believer's inner life and their relationship with God. The last two address their relationship with other people. Brotherly love originates from the Greek word "philadelphia" and means committed, practical care for others. It encompasses the ability to love all people as brothers and sisters of Jesus Christ. Unfortunately, we tend to misuse our affection by directing it primarily toward those who are similar to us. For this reason, Peter, in his first letter, sought to instill this attitude in his readers: "Now concerning brotherly love, there is no need for us to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another." (1.Thess 4,9).
Brotherly love characterizes us in the world as disciples of Christ: "By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." (Joh 13,35)Faith is founded on the love of God, through which we are able to love our brothers and sisters as Jesus loves us.
The divine love
Love for one's brothers and sisters culminates in "love" for all people. This love is less a matter of feelings and more a matter of the will. Divine love, called "agape" in Greek, represents supernatural love and is considered the crown of all virtues: "My prayer is that Christ may live in you through faith. Be rooted and established in his love, so that you, along with all other Christians, may experience the full measure of his love. Yes, I pray that you may understand this love ever more deeply, which we can never fully grasp with our minds. Then you will also be filled more and more with all the riches of life that are to be found in God." (Eph 3,17-19).
Agape love embodies the spirit of genuine benevolence towards all people: "To the weak I became weak, so that I might win the weak. I became all things to all people, so that by all possible means I might save some." (1. Kor 9,22).
We can demonstrate our love by giving our time, skills, treasures and lives to those around us. What is interesting is that this song of praise begins with faith and culminates in love. Building on the foundation of your faith in Jesus Christ, you, dear reader, can demonstrate truly Christian behavior in which these seven virtues of charity are at work.
by Neil Earle
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