Since the first thing Peter told us to add to our faith in 2 Peter 1 was virtue, I thought I’d look at what exactly that meant and how exactly I could go about that.  

These notes then are taken from this webpage: Bible Study Tools- What does it mean to be virtuous?

“For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say ‘no’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in this present age…” Titus 2:11-12 

God gives his people grace to live virtuous lives in every age, including this one. Lots of definitions of virtue include specific traits like purity or kindness, but it is actually meant to be more: an overall approach to life that brings excellence to all we do and say. God calls us to it because He knows how impactful it can be in our relationships and ministry. 

In the act of becoming a more virtuous person, other wonderful qualities emerge. This happens through the working of God. 

To be called virtuous, you need to consistently display high levels of excellence in your life. A person of virtue makes a progression from knowing what is right to doing what is right. It is intentionally choosing what to say, do, and value; reaching beyond what is good, to what is best. In every situation, a virtuous person knows they have an opportunity to honor the Lord and reflect Him to others.

“This is the message we have heard from Him and declare to you: God is light, and in Him there is no darkness at all.” 1 John 1:5 

The Lord is the example, and he has given us “everything we need for life and godliness.” We have the potential to be virtuous, but we struggle with our sin natures. So we will need to, as Peter says, be diligent in our striving, filling our minds with scriptures that will keep us in line with Him.  

We weren’t given one list of qualities that make up a virtuous life. But we can find traits that a person of integrity strives for. 

“the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self- control. Against such there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23

“Be completely humble and gentle, be patient, bearing with one another in love” Ephesians 4:2 

The process of becoming more virtuous is life-long. The Lord will show us each step of the way as we walk with Him. So one of the keys is to know Him better. As we seek Him, He reveals more of Himself to us. 

“Finally brothers, whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable… if anything is excellent or praiseworthy- think on such things.” Philippians 4:8  

This is a good place to start. If we think on these things, our behavior will start to align with these things. We start by training our mind to virtue, which will lead to an outward display of it. 

Some concrete steps: 

Read and meditate on scriptures to remind and encourage you to virtue. 

Pray, confess failures, and ask help in renewal. 

Share with a trusted brother for accountability and fellowship. 

Think of how living a more virtuous life would look; make a list of simple and practical ways you can begin, then head towards that.