The first characteristic Peter instructs us to supplement our faith with is virtue. Strong’s Concordance defines virtue (arete) as: “A virtuous course of thought, feeling and action, virtue, moral goodness, any particular moral excellence, as modesty, purity.” Nave’s Topical Bible adds “excellence,” “chastity,” and “courage” to this definition.
We often think of virtue as purity, in word, thought, and deed. While I do believe this characteristic includes this type of purity, in my opinion the idea of “moral excellence” is larger than that. My mother used to say God wants us “to do what is right just because it’s right.” Not because there is any reward in it, but just because it is the moral, ethical thing to do.
Until next time, consider … what is one specific way you can strengthen your virtue “muscle” in your every day life?
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