His Holiness Pope Shenouda III speaks in this lecture about the concept of virtue and how to acquire it practically and spiritually. He affirms that many theoretically desire a life of virtue but lack understanding of the nature of virtue; understanding is the real entry to acquiring it. He explains that virtue is not a single isolated trait but a practical integration between multiple spiritual qualities that must harmonize and be applied according to the situation.

Main points and details

• Definition of virtue and understanding: A person must know the meaning of virtue specifically — for example humility is not merely words or external appearances but an inner certainty of human weakness and need for God’s grace.

• Distinguishing truth from appearances: Many perform ceremonies or outward words (such as refraining from food only) without inner asceticism or fasting of the soul, so they do not attain the fruit of true virtue.

• Integration of qualities: Virtue requires balance between qualities that seem contradictory like mercy and justice or meekness and courage; our supreme example is God and Christ who combine these qualities together.

• Method and means: It is not enough for a person to want one virtue and leave the rest; one must know the proper means, limits, and the appropriate spiritual language (such as spiritual rebuke without injustice or insult).

• Coordination between self and others: Virtue is a process of coordinating between an individual’s rights and duties toward others, between freedom and commitment, and between spiritual giving and receiving.

• Practical discernment: The need for wisdom to know when to speak and when to be silent, when to withdraw and when to serve, and how to distinguish between silence that is virtuous and silence that becomes sin by failing to defend the oppressed or comfort the sorrowful.

• Discipline and upbringing: True love does not mean blind pampering but may require firm upbringing and discipline combined with tenderness; spiritual discipline is part of God’s love for the salvation of the person.

• A life of virtue as an integrated lifestyle: Virtue is not limited to isolated actions but is a whole life, requiring balance, awareness, and continuous practice that make the person an image of God in behavior.

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