Virtue is an essential part of our growth as Christians. By becoming virtuous, we become an image of Christ to the world. Researchers have also found that resilience and virtue are connected.
This article will discuss the connections between resilience and virtue and how we can intentionally grow in virtue.
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Research on Resilience and Virtue
Researchers have found many factors associated with virtue that improve resilience, including:
- Self-control (1)
- Gratitude (2)
- Fasting (2)
- Altruism (3)
- A moral compass (4)
- Compassion (Resilient by Rick Hanson)
Additionally, some researchers have proposed a virtue theory of resilience, in which having more of certain virtues can better help people thrive in the face of trauma and adversity (5).
For example, one study using their theory found that those with chronic illness who had more courage, ability to reflect on their choices, integrity, acting in line with their values, and hope coped better with their illness (5). In short, these virtues helped them to be resilient in the face of their illness.
Virtue and Catholicism
The Catechism of the Catholic Church has an entire section defining a Catholic perspective on virtue. They define virtue as a “habitual and firm disposition to do the good” (CCC 1803). Essentially, virtuous people have a habit of choosing what is right, and in short, they act like God.
The writers of the Catechism then describe two different types of virtue: cardinal and theological.
The cardinal virtues are more human virtues. They are things someone can have even without the grace of the sacraments. The authors of the Catechism define four cardinal virtues, around which all other virtues are grouped:
- Prudence: “Disposes practical reason to discern our true good in every circumstance and to choose the right means of achieving it” (CCC 1806). In short, it is using our reason to choose what is right
- Justice: “The constant and firm will to give their due to God and neighbor” (CCC 1807)
- Fortitude: Firmness in difficulties and constancy in the pursuit of good” (CCC 1808)
- Temperance: “Moderates the attraction of pleasures and provides balance in the use of created goods” (CCC 1809). In short, it is having moderation when it comes to pleasurable things.
The Catechism then goes on to describe the theological virtues. These virtues are specially gifted to us by God and help us to live in relationship with him (CCC 1812-1813). They include:
- Faith: Believing in God, His words, and what His Church teaches (CCC 1814)
- Hope: “Placing our trust in Christ’s promises and relying not on our own strength” (CCC 1817)
- Charity: Loving God and neighbor (CCC 1822)
How to Grow in Virtue
The Catechism of the Catholic Church says that there are three different ways to grow in virtue (CCC 1810-1811):
- Education
- Intentional action to help you grow, which God then purifies.
- Asking for the grace of God and frequent reception of the sacraments
Additionally, some Catholic authors have helpful suggestions in this area.
For example, in Broken and Blessed, Fr. Josh Johnson talks about using fasting to help you grow in a virtue that is the opposite of a vice you may struggle with.
He uses the example of lust, which is against the virtue of temperance. He suggests that by denying yourself things that can cause pleasure, like dessert, warm showers, and singing, you can learn moderation with the good things of this world and develop your willpower to use moderation in the area of sexual desires.
Several authors also talk about practical ways to put in an intentional effort to grow in virtue.
First, Fr. Josh Johnson, in Broken and Blessed, discusses the importance of reflecting on what causes you to fall into vice so you can strive to avoid areas of temptation.
In the book Nine Words, Dr. Allen Hunt suggests ranking yourself on a scale of 1 to 10 in a particular virtue, picking small actions to boost your score, and re-ranking yourself after a set time.
In her book Emotional Virtue, Sarah Swafford describes a virtue challenge in which you pick a virtue to work on each week, make a list of three concrete ways to live it out that week, identify obstacles and make plans to avoid them, and then evaluate yourself each day.
Conclusion: Growing in Resilience and Virtue
I challenge you to conduct a thorough examination of conscience and identify one area in which you would like to apply these lessons.
Then, pick ways to fast to grow in the opposing virtue, and pick a way to intentionally strive for growth in that area. Doing so can increase your resilience and live more in line with God’s will.