Seven Virtues

Advice to the Youth

The seven Christian virtues are foundational to living a life that reflects the teachings of Jesus Christ. Here are some Biblical accounts of each virtue, along with advice to the youth on additional qualities:

1. Humility

Humility involves recognizing our dependence on God and valuing others above ourselves.

• Biblical Verses:
• Philippians 2:3-4: "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others."
• James 4:10: "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up."

2. Charity (Love)

Charity, or love, is the greatest virtue and encompasses all others.

• Biblical Verses:
• 1 Corinthians 13:4-7: "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs."
• 1 John 4:8: "Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love."

3. Chastity

Chastity involves purity and self-control, particularly in matters of sexual conduct.

• Biblical Verses:
• 1 Thessalonians 4:3-4: "It is God's will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable."
• Matthew 5:8: "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God."

4. Temperance

Temperance is the practice of self-control, moderation, and restraint.

• Biblical Verses:
• Galatians 5:22-23: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control."
• Proverbs 25:28: "Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control."

5. Patience

Patience involves enduring hardships and waiting on God's timing.

• Biblical Verses:
• Romans 12:12: "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer."
• James 1:3-4: "Because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

6. Diligence

Diligence is the careful and persistent effort to do God's will.

• Biblical Verses:
• Proverbs 13:4: "A sluggard's appetite is never filled, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied."
• Colossians 3:23: "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters."

7. Kindness

Kindness involves being compassionate and considerate towards others.

• Biblical Verses:
• Ephesians 4:32: "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."
• Colossians 3:12: "Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience."

Advice to the Youth

In addition to the seven virtues, here are some qualities that are important for young people to cultivate:

Orderliness

• Biblical Verses:
• 1 Corinthians 14:40: "But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way."

Truthfulness

• Biblical Verses:
• Ephesians 4:25: "Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body."

Gratefulness

• Biblical Verses:
• 1 Thessalonians 5:18: "Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

Attentiveness

• Biblical Verses:
• Proverbs 4:20-21: "My son, pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart."

Obedience

• Biblical Verses:
• Ephesians 6:1: "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right."

Summary:

These virtues and qualities are essential for living a life that honors God and serves others. By embracing these teachings, young people can grow in faith and character, becoming positive influences in their communities.