Bible Verse about virtue
Colossians 3:12-14: Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
If you've ever tried to be perfect, you probably agree, it's pretty tough. Jesus wants us to be like Him, but of course we can never be God.
Each person can probably identify sets of strengths and weaknesses.
You might possess a few character traits that are strong within yourself, which radiate from your spirit into your personality as you connect with others.
However, you realize other qualities are lacking.
Maybe, you're not entirely sure what you need to work on, and so you turn to the Bible.
Below, I list several sets of Christian virtues. Pray and rely on His strength to develop these hallmarks.
I begin with a passage in Colossians that I'm sure is familiar to many Christians. You might have heard the list of virtues from those verses in a sermon or two.
I wrote the following poem in 2006 that centered on this specific passage from Colossians 3:
Clothed With Virtue
Poem & Creative Paraphrase of Colossians 3:12-14
Though each of us differs in manifold ways
Our hearts can be clothed with compassion and praise
The intense profoundness of agape love
Manifests itself in gentle, humble Spirit from above
Though each of us is distinctly unique
We all can befriend one who is kind and meek
Friendship is squelched through conflict and strife
But patience and forgiveness sustain its life
When clothed with love and unconditional acceptance
With humility, kindness, gentleness, and patience
On stormy waters, the peaceful dove emerges
Bringing divine love which unifies, cleanses, and purges
Even though we are different in so many ways
As with the variety of foods you see at buffets
A mismatch of colors striving to blend
Clothed with virtue—longing to mend
Looking for another bible verse about virtue?
If you're searching for a Bible verse or passage about virtue, Colossians 3:12-14 offers a compelling starting point by highlighting key character traits. In addition, the following ten passages provide lists of virtues that reflect godly character and guide us in living a life pleasing to God...
1. Matthew 5:1-12: The beatitudes..
- Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
- Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
- Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
- Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
- Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
- Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
- Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
- Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
2. Romans 5:1-5; Suffering leads to...
- perseverance
- character
- hope
3. II Corinthians 6:1-10; Boasting in the Lord...
- in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger;
- in purity
- understanding
- patience
- kindness
- in the Holy Spirit
- in sincere love
- in truthful speech
- in the power of God--with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left; 8 through glory and dishonor, bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as impostors; known, yet regarded as unknown; dying, and yet we live on; beaten, and yet not killed;
- sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything.
4. Galatians 5:22-23--fruit of the Holy Spirit...
- love
- joy
- peace
- patience
- kindness
- goodness
- faithfulness
- gentleness
- self-control
5. Ephesians 4:1-3; living a life worthy of the calling you received...
- Be completely humble.
- gentle
- Be patient.
- bearing with one another in love
- Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
6. Ephesians 5:9: For the fruit of the light consists in all...
- goodness
- righteousness
- truth
7. Philippians 4:8; Think on these things...
- whatever is true...
- noble
- right
- pure
- lovely
- admirable
- excellent
- praiseworthy
8. I. Timothy 4:12: Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in...
- speech
- conduct
- love
- faith
- purity
9. James 3:17-18: wisdom that comes from heaven...
- pure
- peace-loving
- considerate
- submissive
- full of mercy
- good fruit
- impartial
- sincere
10. II Peter:5-7--add these qualities in increasing measure; also adding another trait to the previously mentioned...
- faith
- goodness
- knowledge
- self-control
- perseverance
- godliness
- brotherly kindness
- love
I hope these passages help you as you seek wisdom and encouragement from Scripture on the qualities of virtue. May they serve as a guide to help with self-evaluation, growing in Christ-like character, and walking faithfully in the ways of the Lord!
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For three steps to persevering in your journey as a Christian--based on 10 encouragement Scriptures related to that topic, check out this page:
Bible Verses on Perseverance (encouragementscriptures.com)