Virtue – Part 2
In this lecture His Holiness Pope Shenouda III continues explaining the concept of virtue in more detail, clarifying that every person theoretically aspires to live a life of virtue, but first needs to understand what virtue is in detail so that he knows how to acquire it and express it practically.
Definition of virtue and its details
Virtue is not merely words or external appearances: it is an inner state in the soul that elevates a person above the self and material pleasures. Virtue requires a true knowledge of what it means (for example, knowing the difference between true humility and false humility), and realizing that some practices (like fasting) have a deeper meaning than sensory abstention — it is fasting of the soul and victory over passions.
Sources of virtue
Knowledge and wisdom: because he who knows the good walks in it. Will and spiritual strength: because knowledge alone may not suffice if the will is weak. Divine grace: works but needs the human partnership. Some virtues are innate in a person, and some require struggle and practice for growth.
Correct understanding of practical virtues
Before one seeks a particular virtue (such as defending the truth or love) he must know its reality, limits, and means of application: what is the truth? and how to defend it wisely and spiritually? Is love a translation of lust or of drawing the other to good and holiness? Virtue requires precise understanding of purpose and means.
Integration and balance among virtues
Virtue is not a single virtue practiced alone but an integration of many spiritual qualities: love, justice, mercy, firmness, wisdom, discipline — all of them complement each other. There must be balance: not love without upbringing, not gentleness without wisdom, not strictness without mercy. The virtuous person shows this in practical balance.
Outer expression and inwardness
Inner virtue in the heart is not sufficient if it is not translated into appropriate external expressions (words and deeds). It is not enough to say your heart is devout; the body and language and behavior must express that. Faith without works is dead.
Gradation and temporal discernment
Virtue is gradual: a person needs practice, training and progression to reach perfection. Also everything has its time: when to be silent and when to speak, when to withdraw and when to serve, and when to rejoice or be filled with tears — wisdom discerns time and measure.
Coordination between rights and duties and freedoms
Virtue is a process of coordinating between the individual’s rights and duties, between human freedom and obligations toward society and his God. Virtue is realized when a person balances these aspects without excess or neglect.
Spiritual summary
Virtue in the spiritual Coptic Orthodox view is conduct rooted in knowledge, wisdom, will, and grace; it is an integrated work that combines inward and outward, knowledge and action, giving and receiving, mercy and justice, firmness and compassion. Reaching it requires clear understanding, struggle and practice, and wise coordination in daily life.
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