Unlocking happiness and success
When have you taken stock of your life and your virtues? How are you living? Would you like more joy? Today, a lot is said about values but not much about virtues.
Embracing virtues leads to a more fulfilled and meaningful life. It does so by fostering personal growth. Stronger relationships will also be a result. Additionally, it provides a sense of purpose. Wisdom, courage, compassion, and integrity shape character. They guide actions and contribute to a life aligned with one’s values and goals.
We talk about values and can set goals around them, but virtues are how we show our character.
Virtues give us the foundation or principles for life. So, virtues are considered morally good and of great value.
Faith, hope, and charity
When we hear the word virtue, we often think about these three. But how do you live these out? We cultivate our other virtues to achieve this.
Each virtue is part of what builds strong character traits within us.
Virtues allow you to have a more joyful and fulfilled life.
Authenticity
Being genuine will make your virtues sincere and profound because you are authentic, honest, and trustworthy.
Compassion
Compassion is treating others with concern when they experience misfortune. Empathy and kindness toward others form the basis for meaningful connections and contribute to a more compassionate society.
Gratitude
Embracing a mindset of gratitude brings contentment, which in turn brings resilience and a deeper appreciation for one’s blessings. When you have gratitude, even in the face of challenges, you can be calmer and more peaceful.
When you share your gratitude with others, it increases your joy. Give this a try today.
Resilience
Having resilience means you can bounce back from adversity. Resilience is crucial for navigating life’s inevitable ups and downs. Most of us grow more in the down times because we call out to the Lord more. And I am always learning to persevere as I push toward my goals.
Courage
Courage is essential for stepping outside of our comfort zones. We need to take risks and pursue our dreams. Overcoming our fears leads to growth and fulfillment. The following quote is why I started this article.
If you do not have courage, you may not have the opportunity to use any of your other virtues. – Samuel L. Jackson
Purpose
We all need to live with a sense of purpose. Purpose provides direction and motivation, which contribute to a more fulfilling life. If you are looking for your life’s purpose, here is a tip: volunteer where your heart sings. If your first volunteer position isn’t correct, move on until you find the perfect song for your heart to sing.
Generosity
Sharing what we have and giving to others helps us connect, feel abundant, and make society kinder.
Being generous also increases our joy.
Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. (II Corinthians 9:7 NIV)
Humility
Recognizing our limitations and acknowledging what others contribute promotes humility.
Humility is not simple, and it isn’t the opposite of pride.
The Holy Spirit told me several years ago to teach humility. I thought, ‘Don’t parents teach humility?’ I have been working since then to learn more about this important trait.
How does one learn to be humble? By serving!
Parents do it every day, so do people in the military, and first responders. But so do teachers, and most able-bodied humans we serve in our daily lives.
The parable of the wedding feast in Luke 14:7-11 illustrates humility and the reward that comes from it.
Someone is invited to a banquet and chooses a seat of honor. Jesus advises that it is better to take a lower place and then be invited to move up. Rather than being asked to move down due to a more important guest arriving.
Here are a few quotes to help your understanding of humility.
Humility is the fear of the Lord; its wages are riches and honor in life. (Proverbs 22:4 NIV)
Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up. ( James 4:10 NIV)
True humility is not thinking less of yourself- it is thinking of yourself less. Rick Warren
I asked the Lord to teach me how to be humble. I heard this: You will never be more humble than when you serve another.
When you humble yourself to serve, God will exalt you and open doors for you. He will lift you up.
Forgiveness
Practicing forgiveness promotes emotional healing, inner peace, and better relationships.
Forgiveness is the key to getting your life moving in the right direction.
I was rejected and abused, and I wanted everyone to know how I had been mistreated. Anger and bitterness were eating me up until I forgave. Then healing came, and I became a better person. Now, I have joy daily.
Wisdom
Wisdom is a virtue that can only be acquired through experience. Anyone who desires to learn can gain wisdom and become wiser.
In conclusion
Virtues vary in importance depending on individual values, cultural backgrounds, and life circumstances.
However, faith, hope, and charity are woven throughout these virtues. Focusing on building character will lead to success in all areas of life.
Each virtue contributes to an enjoyable, fulfilling life.
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Thanks for reading and sharing!
