The four CARDINAL virtues which form the foundation of character are : WISDOM, FORTITUDE, TEMPERANCE and JUSTICE.
These virtues are natural to all mankind. They are Christian when they are perceived as fruits of the Spirit to help in the pilgrimage to our eternal home.
The three THEOLOGICAL virtues are FAITH, HOPE and CHARITY. These are gifts from God. Our salvation is by faith, faith that Christ has redeemed and imparted His righteousness to us. Hope is dependent upon our faith in Christ. Love is the greatest of all virtues as it enables us to act as Christ would. In 1Corinthians 13 Paul reveals what love entails.
The twelve fruits of the Holy Spirit are:
1. Love 7. Faith
2. Joy 8. Meekness
3. Peace 9. Patience
4. Long-suffering 10. Modesty
5. Gentleness 11. Temperance
6. Goodness 12. Chastity
The Seven Spiritual Works of Mercy
1. To instruct the ignorant.
2. To correct offenders.
3. To counsel the doubtful.
4. To comfort the afflicted.
5. To suffer injuries with patience
6. To forgive offences and wrongs.
7. To pray for others.
The Seven Corporal Works of Mercy
1. To feed the hungry and give drink to the thirsty.
2. To clothe the naked.
3. To harbour the stranger.
4. To visit the sick.
5. To minister to prisoners.
6. To visit the fatherless and widows.
7. To bury the dead.
The Seven deadly sins and their counterpart virtues
1. Pride Humility
2. Covetousness Liberality
3. Lust Chastity
4. Jealousy/Envy Gentleness
5. Gluttony Temperance
6. Anger Patience
7. Laziness/Sloth Diligence
A DAILY REMINDER
Remember, Christian soul, that you have this day, and every day of your life: