The Virtues Series: Explaining the Virtues part 3.

 CHOOSING TO RESPOND TO GOD'S GRACE. 

The practice of the virtues is the centre of the moral life.  God has redeemed us through His Son who died on the cross to save us. He has given us the grace of adoption to be His beloved children through Baptism.  It is our responsibility to respond to this grace.

SCRIPTURE  SUPPORTING THE VIRTUES.

Colossians 3:1-10 provides us with answers as to how we are to cultivate virtue in our lives and appropriately respond to God's great gift of life as follows:

·                     Seeking all that is good by setting our minds on 'things that are above', on God.

·                     Putting to death vices such as immorality, impurity, evil desire, anger, wrath, malice, slander and foul talk.

Other Scripture passages such as 2 Corinthians 7:1,Thessalonians 5:8-10, 2 Timothy 4:7-8 and Titus 2:11-14 explain further the importance of living virtuous lives in the following ways:

·                     Become holy out of reverence for Christ by cleansing body and soul.

·                     Accept the salvation that God has destined for us through the death of His Son.

·                     Fight the good fight to receive the reward God has prepared for us in Heaven.

·                    Put our hope in Christ and live 'sober, upright and godly lives' by rejecting worldly
             passions.

PRACTICAL CONSIDERATION

Our baptismal promises that we made or were made on our behalf, which we renew each year encourage us to do likewise as we acknowledge God, reject Satan and all his works and live according to the Gospel.

It is important to remember that we will sow what we reap. If we sow good or the product of virtue, we will reap good. If we choose to sow evil or the product of vice, we will reap evil and run the risk of losing what God has destined for us - the prize of Heaven and to be happy with Him for ever.

Whilst reading 1 Samuel 17:1-54- the story of David and Goliath, it struck me how this story can be applied to my life and give me encouragement.  David was faithful in the little tasks he was assigned. He fulfilled his duty as a shepherd, faithful in the little details of life and was prepared for the major challenges.

   : Let us make a fresh start and conform our daily lives to the will of God.