Saint Paul calls out to us: “let us be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love and the helmet that is hope for salvation. For God did not destine us for wrath, but to gain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep we may live together with him” (1 Thessalonians 5:8-10). The suit of armor with which Saint Paul equips us is fashioned by God and consists of the theological virtues.
Christian teaching supplements the four cardinal virtues with the three theological virtues of faith, hope, and charity (or love). The human virtues facilitate moral living, while the theological virtues enable our union with God. Our human efforts cultivate a degree of flourishing and happiness through the natural virtues of prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance. The theological virtues elevate and perfect our habits, so that we may attain the supernatural happiness that can only be achieved as adopted children of God. Human power, infinitely insufficient to gain a share in the divine life, must be boosted by God to realize perfect happiness. In order to serve as disciples of Jesus Christ and reap the reward of salvation, we must lead our earthly lives as citizens of heaven in accordance with these virtues of faith, hope, and charity.
Our English word “theological” is based on the Greek word theos meaning “God.” Correspondingly, God is the object of the theological virtues. They are revealed to us through sacred scripture, and they direct us toward God. Theological virtues are a gift from God, infused in our souls when He adorns us with His sanctifying grace.
The theological virtues perfect the powers of our intellect and will. Faith perfects our intellect by giving us the power to believe in God and in all that He has revealed through Christ and the Church. Hope elevates our will by giving us the power to trust in God and His promises. Charity purifies our will by giving us the power to love God above all things and to love our neighbors for love of God.
Peter Kreeft likens the theological virtues to the parts of a blossoming flower: “Faith is the root, the necessary beginning. Hope is the stem, the energy that makes the plant grow. Love is the fruit, the flower, the visible product, the bottom line. The plant of our new life in Christ is one; the life of God comes into us by faith, through us by hope, and out of us by the works of love.”
G.K. Chesterton observes how these virtues are interdependent: “The only argument against losing faith is that you also lose hope–and generally charity.” Without the benefit of the theological virtues, we risk falling into doubt, despair, and selfishness. This prayer by Saint Francis of Assisi helps to dispose us to receiving grace and pursuing a life of virtue:
“Most High, glorious God, enlighten the shadows of my heart, and grant unto me a right faith, a certain hope and perfect charity, sense and understanding, Lord, so that I may accomplish Thy holy and true command.”
Be sure to follow our “Weekly Challenge” section, which will provide insight into each of the theological virtues throughout the month. And please comment on your personal quest to resist vice and lead a virtuous life.
