“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. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us walk in step with the Spirit.” – Galatians 5:22–25 (BSB)
“Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not only in my presence but now even more in my absence, continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good pleasure.” – Philippians 2:12–13 (BSB)
“Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience… And over all these virtues put on love, which is the bond of perfect unity.” – Colossians 3:12, 14 (BSB)
“For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith virtue; and to virtue, knowledge… For if you possess these qualities and continue to grow in them, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” – 2 Peter 1:5, 8 (BSB)
The first way we cultivate virtue is by staying rooted in Christ through prayer, Scripture, and worship. Fr. Elijah Simmons (Anglican Union, Church of the Holy Redeemer, TX) explains, “Virtue grows in the presence of God. We become like Christ by spending time with Christ—in the quiet place, at the Table, and in the assembly of His people.” (Discipleship and the Inner Life, 2021)
Growth in virtue also requires intentional practice. Bishop David Epps (CEEC – Anglican, Diocese of the Mid-South) says, “Like muscles, virtues strengthen with use. Each act of patience, courage, or humility forms the soul more deeply in holiness.” (Living by the Spirit’s Strength, 2022) Grace does not replace effort—it empowers it.
Anglican liturgy trains the heart to desire virtue. Through confession, creed, collect, and communion, our affections are redirected and our habits reformed. Canon George Grant (ACNA, Parish Presbyterian Church, TN) notes, “The Prayer Book is a school of virtue. Its daily rhythm shapes the heart to love what is good and hate what is evil.” (Recovering Anglican Piety, 2019)
Bishop Dan Gifford (ANiC, Diocese of Western Canada and Alaska) adds, “We cultivate virtue not alone but together. The Church is the garden where grace takes root. In fellowship, service, correction, and encouragement, Christ forms His people.” (Sanctification in Community, 2023)
“None become virtuous without the Spirit. But the Spirit works in those who strive, who pray, who obey, who love.” – Augustine of Hippo, On Grace and Free Will, c. 427 AD
“Do you desire virtue? Then stay close to Christ. For from Him flows all strength, and by Him all growth.” – John Chrysostom, Homily on John, c. 390 AD
“Let the soul be tilled with Scripture, watered by prayer, and warmed by charity. Then virtue will bloom.” – Cyprian of Carthage, On the Lapsed, c. 250 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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Abbotsford, BC,
V2T 7A2, Canada
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St. Thomas Church is a Church planting movement in ancient tradition.
