“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” – Galatians 5:22–23 (BSB)
“Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have… And over all these virtues put on love, which is the bond of perfect unity.” – Colossians 3:12–14 (BSB)
“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ… And not only that, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” – Romans 5:1–4 (BSB)
“For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith virtue; and to virtue, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love.” – 2 Peter 1:5–7 (BSB)
The classical triad of faith, hope, and love stands at the center of the Christian moral life. Fr. Elijah Simmons (Anglican Union, Church of the Holy Redeemer, TX) writes, “Faith trusts in God, hope longs for His promises, and love gives itself for others. These are not options—they are essentials for the soul alive in Christ.” (Virtue and Vocation, 2022)
Virtues are cultivated by grace and practice. They grow through prayer, obedience, community, and sacramental life. Bishop David Epps (CEEC – Anglican, Diocese of the Mid-South) observes, “You don’t drift into virtue—you train for it. Like a garden, it must be planted, watered, and guarded from the weeds of sin.” (Living the Fruitful Life, 2021)
The Anglican tradition, particularly in the 1662 Book of Common Prayer, upholds virtue as the fruit of regeneration. Morning and Evening Prayer call believers daily to lives of holiness, peace, and service. Canon George Grant (ACNA, Parish Presbyterian Church, TN) teaches, “The virtuous life is not self-help—it is Spirit-help. It is what happens when grace takes root and begins to transform every part of us.” (Recovering Anglican Piety, 2019)
Fr. Caleb Evans (Anglican Orthodox Church, St. Stephen’s Mission, GA) adds, “Virtue is how Christ is made visible in the world through His people. Every act of patience, kindness, or courage is a glimpse of the kingdom coming.” (Catechesis and Character Formation, 2020)
“Faith opens the door, hope walks through it, and love builds the house. These three are the foundation of all virtue.” – Augustine of Hippo, Enchiridion on Faith, Hope, and Love, c. 420 AD
“The virtues are the steps by which we climb to God: humility first, then obedience, then purity, then love.” – Basil the Great, On the Ascetical Life, c. 375 AD
“He who possesses virtue possesses Christ. For the virtues are not mere qualities—they are the life of the Lord lived in us.” – Irenaeus of Lyons, Against Heresies, c. 180 AD
An Anglican Catechism (Expanded) offers over 350+ Scripture-based answers to the core truths of the Christian faith. Each entry includes biblical texts, theological insight, and reflections from historic and contemporary Anglican voices. Rooted in the classical tradition, it is designed for teaching, discipleship, and spiritual formation.
An Ancient Worship Movement invites readers into the rich, historic worship of the early Church rediscovered through the Anglican tradition. This book calls believers into a deeper, Spirit-filled encounter with Christ through timeless practices.
St. Thomas Church
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St. Thomas Church is a Church planting movement in ancient tradition.
