Virtues of faith in everyday life

Virtues of faith in everyday life Peter had made numerous mistakes in his life. They showed him that after reconciliation with God the Father through God's grace, concrete steps should be taken while we live "as strangers and foreigners" in the 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 the greatest importance that endures in the long term. For Peter, faith is the most important principle and describes it as follows: "So apply all diligence to it, showing virtue in your faith, and knowledge in virtue, and temperance in knowledge, and patience in temperance, and godliness in patience, and godliness in piety Brotherhood and in brotherhood love" (2. Petrus 1,5-7).

The belief

The word “faith” is derived from the Greek “pistis” and essentially refers to complete trust in the promises of God. This trust is clearly illustrated by the example of the patriarch Abraham: "He did not doubt the promise of God through unbelief, but became strong in faith and gave God glory and knew with all certainty that what God promises he can also do" (Romans 4,20-21).

If we do not believe in the redemptive work 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!" (Acts 16,31). The Old Testament patriarch Abraham, referred to in the New Testament as the “father of the believers,” left what is now Iraq to set off for Canaan, the promised land. He did this even though he did not know his purpose: “By faith Abraham became obedient when he was called to go to a place that he was to inherit; and he went out, not knowing where he was going" (Hebrews 11,8). He relied exclusively on God's promises, which he trusted with all his heart and based his actions on them.

Today we find ourselves in a similar situation to Abraham: 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 belief that God will guide us and our families safely. Faith is the evidence and God-given assurance available to our minds and hearts that God cares for us and all things work together for our good: "But we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to his purpose" (Romans 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 “firmness of character” and can also be understood as exemplary behavior. Therefore, faith promotes and strengthens the strength of character. The word arete was used by the Greeks in reference to their gods. It means excellence, excellence and courage, something that transcends the ordinary and everyday. Socrates demonstrated virtue when he drank the hemlock cup to remain true to his principles. Likewise, Jesus showed firmness of character when he resolutely set out on his final journey to Jerusalem, even though he faced a cruel fate there: "Now it came to pass, when the time had come for him to be taken up into heaven, that he turned his face, determined to go to Jerusalem" (Luke 9,51).

Model behavior means not just talking, but also acting. Paul showed great courage and virtue when he announced his firm intention to visit Jerusalem, even though the Holy Spirit had clearly shown him that danger was imminent: “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" (Acts 21,13). This type 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” (James 2,20).

Understanding

Combined with faith, strength of character contributes to knowledge. The Holy Spirit inspired Peter to use the Greek word “Gnosis” instead of the term “Sophia” for wisdom, which is often used in the New Testament. Knowledge in the sense of Gnosis is not the result of intellectual effort, but rather a spiritual insight granted by the Holy Spirit. This focuses on the person of Jesus Christ and the Word of God: "By faith we know that the world was created by the Word of God, that everything that is seen came from nothing" (Hebrews 11,3).

Knowledge of Scripture that is based on experience corresponds to the term “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 pit the groups against each other and protect himself (Acts 23,1-9).

How often do we wish we had this ability, especially when faced with a bank employee, an official, a boss, or an unjust accuser. Saying the right thing in the appropriate measure is an art in which we can ask our heavenly Father for assistance: “But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives to everyone freely and without reproach; so it will be given to him" (James 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-control. This control of willpower, 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 as if into uncertainty; I do not fight with my fist like one who punches the air, but I punish my body and subdue it so that I do not preach to others and become reprehensible myself" (1. Corinthians 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, promotes the development of patience and perseverance. The full meaning of the Greek word “Hupomone,” which in German is translated as patience or perseverance, seems too passive. Although the term Hupomone denotes patience, it is a goal-directed patience aimed at a desirable and realistic goal. It's not just about passively waiting, but about enduring with expectation and persistent determination. The Greeks used this term for a plant that thrives even in difficult and adverse circumstances. In Hebrews, "Hupomone" (endurance) is associated with a steadfastness that perseveres and thrives in expectation of victory even under difficult conditions: "Let us run with patience in the battle that is appointed for us, looking up to Jesus, the... The author and perfecter of faith, who, though he might have had joy, endured the cross, despising the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God" (Hebrews 12,1-2).

This means, for example, waiting patiently for healing when we are sick or waiting for the positive outcome of a request to God. The Psalms are full of calls to perseverance: “I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and I hope in his word” (Psalm 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 reverence God: "Everything that serves life and godliness has given us its divine power through the knowledge of him who called us by his glory and power" (2. Petrus 1,3).

Our lives should clearly express the exceptional characteristics of life given from above. Our fellow human beings should be able to recognize that we are children of our Heavenly Father. Paul reminds us: “For physical exercise is of little use; but piety is useful for all things and has the promise of this life and the life to come" (1. Timothy 4,8 NGÜ).

Our behavior should resemble the way of God, not by our own strength, but through Jesus who lives in us: “Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be intentional about doing good to everyone. If it is possible, as much as it depends on you, have peace with all people. Do not avenge yourselves, dear ones, but give way to the wrath of God; for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, says the Lord" (Romans 12,17-19).

Brotherly love

The first five of the virtues mentioned relate to the believer's inner life and his relationship with God. The last two focus on his relationships with other people. Brotherly love comes from the Greek term “Philadelphia” and means committed, practical care for others. It includes the ability to love all people as brothers and sisters of Jesus Christ. Unfortunately, we tend to misuse our affection by giving it primarily to those who are similar to us. For this reason, Peter tried to suggest this attitude to his readers in his first letter: “But it is not necessary to write to you about brotherly love. 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 have love for one another” (John 13,35). Faith is grounded in the love of God, through which we are able to love our brothers and sisters as Jesus loves us.

The divine love

Love for siblings leads to “love” for all people. This love is less a matter of feelings and more of will. Divine love, called “Agape” in Greek, represents supernatural love and is considered the crown of all virtues: “My prayer is that Christ lives in you through faith. You should be firmly rooted in his love; you should build on them. Because only in this way can you and all other Christians experience the full extent of his love. Yes, I pray that you understand more and more deeply this love that we can never fully grasp with our minds. Then you will be filled more and more with all the riches of life that are found in God" (Ephesians 3,17-19).

Agape love embodies the spirit of genuine benevolence towards all people: “I became weak to the weak so that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all, so that I may save some in every way" (1. Corinthians 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