True Virtue

His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

– 2 Peter 1:3-8 [ESV]

I don’t know how she does it. A certain wonderful person who is very close to me likes only food that is good for you! She isn’t easily tempted by gooey sweets, or cheesy fried things. I’m not sure that’s what Peter means when he speaks of adding virtue to our faith, but at least part of being virtuous has to do with loving things that are truly good.

How is it that virtue is an adornment of faith that brings us to a more effective and fruitful life? What does virtue do for us that allows us to have a greater impact for the reign and rule of Jesus? One thing’s for certain: We’re not talking about some holier-than-thou self-righteous prude. Virtue has as much to do with the heart from which it comes as the appearance it makes when it shows up in people’s lives.

When true virtue shows itself you are more likely to experience grace, kindness, love, and mercy. You are likely to experience less judgmental is and self-righteousness. You are likely to be blessed. You are likely to be drawn to that person – unless your heart is dark and your intent is evil.

Virtue is a goodness that comes from within. That goodness is a reflection of God’s goodness, and is a product of the Holy Spirit who touches and changes our hearts. From the goodness of God to us and from us to others virtue comes.

So we pray…

Heavenly Father, we turn, not panic, in response to this pandemic. We praise You as our Almighty Creator and sustainer. You are the Author of our days, our refuge and strength.

Lord we humbly ask you to push back and remove this virus from us; glorify Yourself in this national and global emergency. We cry out to You in unified prayer.

We pray that this unprecedented time in our generation would be used to draw nearer to You and our families. Turn our attention to the many times we have thought or said, “we don’t have enough time to _________” Help us to use this time to rightly reset and prioritize our relationship with You and our family. Let us draw near to You in faith as our Father and fortress.

Deliver us from this disease, we pray, and let your glory fill the earth as you respond to our prayers. In Jesus’ Name, amen.

– From the National Day of Prayer Committee