'Grounded in Faith'
Faith as a virtue is grounded in God’s grace and a relationship with Jesus. Scripture reminds us, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8). Our standing with God is not earned by our works; it is received as a gift. Virtue, then, is never a way to earn salvation—it is our response to His grace. The virtuous life is gratitude in action. From the very beginning, Genesis 1:26–27 tells us that we are created in the image of God. Living virtuously is living as we were designed to live, fulfilling our true nature—not merely avoiding sin, but reflecting God’s love, justice, mercy, and faithfulness.
Virtue also prepares us for eternity. As C.S. Lewis wrote, “Every time you make a choice you are turning the central part of you… into something a little different… into a heavenly creature or into a hellish creature.” The habits we practice now are shaping the kind of people we are becoming forever. Virtues train our souls to live in harmony with God’s future Kingdom. Our lives become a witness that God is actively recreating the world—and that He can recreate us. This gives credibility to the gospel and invites others to enter into the life of God. It’s about being formed into the likeness of Christ so that we can fully love God and fully love others. Even our failures can be turned to a witness. The story of how God forgives and restores us is a powerful witness to those who struggle with the same things we do.
Dallas Willard once said that the way we act reveals what we truly believe. Our real beliefs are shown not by what we say we believe, but by how we actually live. We live at the level of our actual beliefs, not our stated ones. Our actions are the truest mirror of what we believe about God—His goodness, His power, and His care for us. Anxiety may reveal that we don’t trust God is in control. A lack of generosity may expose doubts that God will provide. Harboring bitterness may point to unbelief in God’s justice. Disobedience can reveal that we doubt His ways are best. Desperation for others’ approval may show that we don’t rest in His unconditional love and acceptance. A controlling spirit may betray that we believe our knowledge and plans are more trustworthy than His. That might be where we are but it is not where we will remain. God meets us where we are then transforms us little by little – though sometimes in huge leaps – into the men and women He desires us to be, fully given to Him and experiencing the truly good life He offers.
When we obey Jesus, even when it is costly, we show that we trust Him more than our own understanding. The pursuit of virtue is a journey—one filled with God’s grace, moments of failure, the Spirit’s conviction, repentance, His empowering presence, and steady perseverance. It is not the easiest road, but it is the greatest journey anyone can embark upon, because it is the road that leads us deeper into the life and heart of God.
Blessings,
Jonathan