In the 14th century Henry Suso wrote: “Where is virtue preserved except in adversity?”*

That’s intense. Let’s take a closer look. 

First, what is virtue?

It’s not a word we use very much anymore. But it’s a good one. It comes up in 2 Peter 1. It means ‘moral excellence.’

Second, where is it used in the Bible? 

As mentioned, we see it in 2 Peter 1:5-8 (ESV). It’s a longer quote, but I want to share the whole thing: “make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Third, why is virtue preserved in adversity?

Adversity is a place of testing and refinement. If you say you believe in loving your enemies, but then don’t do that when confronted with your actual enemies, you have to wonder if you really believe it. If you say you believe that honesty is important, but then aren’t honest with a friend in their time of need, you have to wonder if you really believe it.

In a similar way, it’s easy to seem virtuous when everything is comfortable and predictable in your life. But are you able to speak and act in a way which is morally robust when you are experiencing adversity?

I invite you to intentionally think about adversity as a place to cultivate virtue. Adversity puts on the squeeze. It brings into focus what you do (or don’t) believe. It makes clear your true priorities. 

Since you’re going to have to deal with adversity whether you like it or not, why not approach it proactively with an eye to virtue. 

Fourth and finally, remember what it’s all about.

Peter said that if those qualities (like virtue) increase in you, they will ensure you are effective and fruitful as a follower of Christ.

Strive forward.
Admit your mistakes.
Seek forgiveness.
Lean on God.
Receive his grace.
Pray for guidance.
Stand on the Word.
Be proactive about adversity

…and supplement your faith with virtue. 

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Notes:

–Henry Suso, Little Book of Eternal Wisdom (Benediction Classis, 2009), 60.