SUNDAY, 15TH SEPTEMBER, 2024.
In this series, I will be writing on the pillars of Fruitfulness. They are the things that make fruitfulness possible.
TOPIC: Virtue as a pillar of Fruitfulness.
MEMORY VERSE: Proverbs 31:10
[10]Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies.
FOCUS: 2 Peter 1:5
[5]And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge.
A virtue is an habitual and firm disposition to do good, it allows the person not only to perform good acts but to give the best of himself to yield godly fruits.
Bearing fruits must be intentional especially if we want our fruits to last or outlast us.
Fruitfulness is not automatic and instant, it requires time, patience and hard work and that is the objective of this series this week.
We will look at the virtues carefully and study how to plant them in our lives.
These virtues help us develop healthier relationships, handle stress more effectively and helps us to find purpose and meaning beyond the material achievements that the world is craving.
We can pray in these virtues and we can also claim them by faith.
Daily, we must strive to improve our characters and imbibe godly virtues that will help us relate better with God and also with men.
LESSON: Esther 2:17
[17]And the king loved Esther above all the women, and she obtained grace and favor in his sight more than all the virgins; so that he set the royal crown upon her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti.
Queen Esther is an embodiment of the Christian virtues.
Christian virtues are character traits or moral excellencies that are considered essential for living a life that reflects the teachings and example of Jesus Christ. Some key Christian virtues include:
- Faith: Trust and confidence in God and His promises.
- Hope: Optimism and expectation of eternal life and God’s goodness.
- Love: Unconditional kindness, compassion, and selflessness towards others.
- Humility: Modesty, meekness, and recognition of one’s limitations.
- Gratitude: Appreciation and thankfulness for God’s blessings.
- Forgiveness: Letting go of grudges and resentments, and showing mercy to others.
- Compassion: Empathy and concern for the suffering and well-being of others.
- Integrity: Honesty, authenticity, and moral uprightness.
- Self-control: Moderation, discipline, and restraint in thoughts, words, and actions.
- Perseverance: Endurance, patience, and persistence in the face of challenges.
- Gentleness: Kindness, consideration, and softness of heart towards others.
- Goodness: Moral excellence, generosity, and benevolence.
- Joy: Happiness, delight, and contentment in God’s presence and promises.
- Peace: Inner calm, serenity, and harmony with God and others.
- Patience: Tolerance, understanding, and long-suffering in difficult situations.
These virtues are considered essential for living a life that honors God and they reflect the character of Jesus Christ. They are often referred to as the “fruit of the spirit” (Galatians 5:22-23) and are seen as evidence of spiritual maturity and growth.
PERSONAL CONFESSION: I am a virtuous person.
PERSONAL PRAYER: Father, I desire to be virtuous, give me the grace to be a virtuous person in the mighty name of Jesus Christ. Amen
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: To live a life of virtue, match up your thoughts, words and deeds.
NOTE: The happy life is regarded as a life in conformity with virtue.