Measures of Virtue

Introduction and general idea
The lecture explains how virtue is measured by specifying three essential elements: definition, goal, and means, and through these elements one can judge whether the work is virtuous or not. The spiritual goal of every virtue is to draw near to God, build the kingdom, and the salvation of souls.

Prayer as a virtue
Prayer is not merely recitations or performing a duty; its true definition is longing for God and the spiritual pleasure of being present before Him. The goal of prayer is enjoyment of God and longing for His face, and the means are reverence, understanding, faith, and the feeling of God’s presence.

Fasting as a virtue
Fasting is not merely subduing the body but disciplining the soul and a means to give freedom to the spirit, to abandon material passions, and to silence the body so that the spirit may speak. The spiritual understanding of fasting turns it into training for the lifting up of the soul, not just abstaining from food.

Giving and service
Giving is your stewardship of God’s money to the needy; there is no pride in it but compassion and love. The goal is to relieve the needy and meet his need with dignity. True service is not merely administrative or informational activity, but a partnership with God in building the kingdom and saving souls, and it requires self-giving, love, humility, and prayer.

Speech and knowledge
Speech can be a virtue if it is for God’s sake and gives a beneficial word, and silence can be a virtue if it is for worship and contemplation. Knowledge is a virtue when it leads to knowing God and His ways and builds the soul and warns of the devils’ wars, not knowledge that destroys the person.

Conclusion: the practical measure
Every virtue has its correct definition, goal, means, and right path. The believer must ask God to know the ways and means, and strive so that his work is partnership with God and not for self-glorification.

Love God

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