Throughout the Bible, there are examples of women who were virtuous. Some of those examples would be: Ruth, Ester, Hannah, and Mary. Though these women have different places in biblical history, one thing is common: their strength and virtue were drawn from one source — God.
To be virtuous by definition means: to possess moral excellence, inner strength, and righteousness stemming from God’s power and manifesting as good works, purity, and commitment to His standard. In other words, it is a strength that comes by abiding in God alone and producing a fruitful life for His glory.
Let us look to scripture to see how we can accomplish this. In John 15, starting in verse 4 and ending in verse 5, reads like this:
“Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.”
You see, in order to be a woman or a person of virtue, we must stay in connection with Jesus. We do this by studying and reading scripture through prayer time and service to Him.
These practices will be something you must discipline yourself to do; it will not be an easy task. The world will always be trying to entice you to neglect these things. It could be a busy schedule or just the normal routines of life that draw you away, but realize this: this example of the vine and branches that Jesus speaks of is true for us. If we are not connected to Him, our spiritual life will dry up and wither. We will become weak and give in to the temptations of this life.
What does a virtuous life look like? In Galatians 5:22-23a, it says:
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, self-control.”
In other words: kind actions, regarding others’ needs before your own, choosing not to fight with people over petty things, walking in a way that shines the light of Christ, speaking truth and not lies.
These are characteristics of virtue that come from a life that abides in Christ.
In Galatians 5:19-21, we see a different list of a life apart from God, and the warning that comes with it.
“Now the works of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, moral impurity, promiscuity, idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambitions, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and anything similar. I tell you about these things in advance—as I told you before—that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
This list of the works of the flesh is an example of a life apart from knowing and living for God. Though in this life we will stumble and make mistakes as believers, this is a list of a continued life in unrepentant behavior apart from Christ that will result in an eternity separated from God. These are obvious works of the enemy.
A life that is set apart and surrendered to Christ will appear strange to a lost and dying world!
1 Corinthians 1:18:
“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but it is God’s power to us who are being saved.”
You see, to live a life of virtuous purpose, we must belong to God alone, having crucified the flesh and choosing to live a life surrendered solely to Him.
Ephesians 1:7 says:
“We have redemption in Him through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace.”
We can be set apart by the Blood of Jesus Christ and His atoning sacrifice to live in such a way that the characteristics of His virtue will be exemplified in our lives if we abide in Him.
Amanda Patterson
Lean into Jesus Ministries
#amandapattersonblogs