“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)
“Join me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.” – 2 Timothy 2:3 (BSB)
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with endurance the race set out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith…” – Hebrews 12:1–2 (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 strengthened through habits of prayer, immersion in Scripture, and sacramental life. Bishop Dan Gifford (ANiC, Diocese of Western Canada and Alaska) explains, “The Eucharist fortifies us for the road. Word and Sacrament together are the nourishment of courage—they fill the soul with the presence of Christ who endured the cross for us.” (Strength for the Pilgrim Path, 2021)
The witness of the saints also stirs our fortitude. Fr. Caleb Evans (Anglican Orthodox Church, St. Stephen’s Mission, GA) teaches, “We grow strong by remembering those who have gone before us—those who sang in prisons, stood before kings, and chose Christ over comfort. Their lives echo into ours.” (Faith That Endures, 2020)
Community plays a vital role. The Church is where we are strengthened by encouragement, correction, and prayer. Canon George Grant (ACNA, Parish Presbyterian Church, TN) notes, “Fortitude is never formed in isolation. It grows in the fellowship of the saints who hold us up when we are weak and walk beside us in the storm.” (Recovering Anglican Piety, 2019)
Fr. Thomas Buchan (Anglican Union, St. Mark’s Anglican Church, VA) concludes, “To grow in fortitude is to grow in likeness to Christ. He did not flinch before suffering, nor flee from the Father’s will. As we abide in Him, we learn to stand—not in our own strength, but in His.” (Christ and the Virtues of the Cross, 2022)
“Let your heart be fixed, not in the world, but in the kingdom to come. Then you will not fear pain or death, for Christ is your courage.” – Cyprian of Carthage, Exhortation to Martyrdom, c. 250 AD
“Fortitude is not rashness but resolve. The soul that leans on God shall not be moved.” – Basil the Great, Homily on Psalm 33, c. 370 AD
“Let no man grow weary. The race is long, but the prize is eternal. Run with fortitude, for the saints surround you and Christ awaits you.” – John Chrysostom, Homily on Hebrews, c. 390 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.
