“Be on the alert. Stand firm in the faith. Be men of courage. Be strong.” – 1 Corinthians 16:13 (BSB)
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.” – 2 Timothy 1:7 (BSB)
“Not only that, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” – Romans 5:3–4 (BSB)
“Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.” – James 1:12 (BSB)
This virtue is essential for Christian discipleship in a fallen world. Bishop Dan Gifford (ANiC, Diocese of Western Canada and Alaska) explains, “The Church does not float through ease—it marches through resistance. Fortitude strengthens us to stand for truth, bear rejection, and endure trials with joy.” (Stand Firm in the Faith, 2022)
Fortitude is especially evident in times of temptation, spiritual dryness, persecution, or moral decision. Fr. Caleb Evans (Anglican Orthodox Church, St. Stephen’s Mission, GA) teaches, “We grow in fortitude when we resist the urge to quit, to conform, or to compromise. The Spirit trains us to press on—when no one sees, when no one applauds, and when the road is costly.” (Endurance and the Christian Life, 2020)
This virtue is nurtured through prayer, Scripture, community, and remembrance of the saints who have gone before us. Canon George Grant (ACNA, Parish Presbyterian Church, TN) observes, “Fortitude does not arise from emotion but conviction. It is strengthened by story—by recalling what God has done and trusting what He will do.” (Recovering Anglican Piety, 2019)
Fr. Thomas Buchan (Anglican Union, St. Mark’s Anglican Church, VA) concludes, “Christ is our model of fortitude—resolute in obedience, calm in trial, steadfast in love. To grow in this virtue is to share in His courage and victory.” (Christ and the Virtues of the Church, 2022)
“Let no man say he is weak. In Christ, the timid are made bold, and the faint are made strong.” – John Chrysostom, Homily on Acts, c. 390 AD
“Courage is born in the soul that trusts God. It is not pride, but the fruit of humble confidence.” – Basil the Great, On the True Life, c. 370 AD
“He who endures for Christ will reign with Him. The path of fortitude is the path of the cross.” – Cyprian of Carthage, Exhortation to Martyrdom, 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.
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