“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.” – Colossians 3:12
In every age and every circumstance, the Christian is called to live a life of virtue—not because the world makes it easy, but because Christ made it possible.
Virtue is more than being nice. It is the interior strength to do what is right, even when it’s hard… especially when it’s hard. As St. Thomas Aquinas teaches, virtue is a habitual and firm disposition to do the good. That means virtue isn’t born in comfort—it is forged in the fire of difficulty, through trial, disappointment, and even injustice.
There are days when we feel betrayed by the choices of others—when someone acts with pride, selfishness, or indifference, and we are left to carry the consequences of their decision. In these moments, we are tempted toward bitterness or retaliation. But God gently invites us instead toward moral virtue (right action) and intellectual virtue (right understanding). These are not passive traits—they are signs of a soul in union with Christ.
It is not weakness to feel wounded. But it is strength to bless those who wound us. It is not easy to walk away quietly. But it is holy to choose the path of peace when another chooses pride. Jesus knows what it means to be misunderstood, mistreated, and misjudged. And He also knows the beauty of silence, the grace of forgiveness, and the strength it takes to live in the light.
Let us never forget that our virtue is not a performance—it is our worship. Every time we choose the higher road, we become more like Christ.
Reflection:
• Am I more concerned with being right or being righteous?
• What virtue is Christ forming in me through this situation? (Is it patience? Fortitude? Mercy?)
• What would Jesus want my response to look like today?
Prayer:
Jesus, You are the model of all virtue.
When I am wronged, help me to respond with grace.
When I am overlooked, help me to remain rooted in You.
When I want to defend myself, help me to remember that You see all things.
Form in me the virtues of truth, courage, compassion, and peace.
May I never let someone else’s poor choices lead me away from Your example.
Make me a woman of integrity. A daughter of light. A vessel of virtue.
Amen.
This is an updated edition of a post originally published on Holy Beautiful Life
Featured Image by Pexels from Pixabay
The views and opinions expressed by Kingdom Winds Collective Members, authors, and contributors are their own and do not represent the views of Kingdom Winds LLC.
