Over the course of the last week, several of my discussions with others were centered on virtue. It seems strange now that I think about it but most people don’t talk about this attribute. I found the meaning of virtue to be a comfort in difficult situations. Virtue means “moral excellence; goodness; righteousness” listed from dictionary.com. I really like the last definition which says “virtues: the order of angels.”
Unfortunately, the world doesn’t focus on the divine nature of virtue as it loses itself in selfishness, greed and corruption. The world promotes enough of those characteristics; we need more people who are righteousness and of moral excellence. Those who help others, think the best of another and act upon it.
There are many examples in the bible of women who are virtuous meaning they were righteous in some way by helping another or setting a good example of doing something good. During a young women’s Sunday school class lesson we discovered how many women in the bible had been so quick to help others. From Luke 8:1-3 it says:
“1 And it came to pass afterward, that He went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God: and the twelve were with Him,
2 And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils,
3 And Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod’s steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto Jim of their substance.”
There were so many, they couldn’t be named. Another example (this has become one of my favorite) is from Acts 9:36-41
“36 ¶Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.
37 And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber.
38 And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them.
39 Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them.
40 But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up.
41 And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive.”
What a wonderful story not only of what Tabitha did for other women but how she was blessed to come back from the dead and live a longer life.
Here is the Apostle Paul talking about more examples of virtuous women: (Romans 16:1-2)
“1 I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea:
2 That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also.
3 Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus:
4 Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles.”
It’s no wonder Proverbs 31: 10 asks this crucial question: “Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.” It is certainly a goal worthy of all women and even men.
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The divine gift of virtue opens the way for other qualities such as faith, courage, empathy and patience. We just have to persistently find this attribute in our life and the lives of those around us. One of my favorite songs from a musical is called “Sabbath Prayer” from Fiddler on the Roof. Both parents in the story sing to their daughters how the Lord can bless them in their life but by the same token they should live their life so they could be “deserving of praise”. Through following a virtuous lifestyle, we can be deserving of praise for all who know us and the attribute of virtue will be lost no more.
Valerie Steimle has been writing as a family advocate for over 25 years. As a convert to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she promotes Christian living in her writings and is the mother of nine children and grandmother to twelve. Mrs. Steimle authored six books and is a contributing writer to several online websites. To her, time is the most precious commodity we have and knows we should spend it wisely.
To read more of Valerie's work, visit her at her website, The Blessings of Family Life.
