Improving virtues

[smiles23]

I am finding myself struggling with vices in relation to charity and humility. I am now trying to develop more Christian virtues and whilst I pray for God’s help, I am hoping to find reflections/resources which could help me and inspire me to live more like Christ.
I would appreciate any help I could get if anybody has any recommendations.

Thank you very much

 

[JRKH]

Gee - I wish I had some things to offer.

I tend to struggle with virtues as well. My vice tended to be more in the anger and lust areas…and so I had to struggle with getting my anger under control so that I could really think about things…then other things kind of fell into place a little better.

I hope some others will pop in with some good resources.

Peace
James

 

[ACanthony]

Kudos to you for wanting to not just believe in God but to truly grow in virtue! This is a very serious and admirable undertaking, one that will grow steadily.

The way to grow in virtue is simply to follow Christ. Go to Church (daily Mass if you can), when you go to Mass truly follow what is being said and go with your whole heart, pray pray pray!!! Pray for specific virtues. Pray to saints who were great examples of those virtues. For instance, for the virtue of chastity you may want to pray to St. Maria Goretti. Pray the Rosary daily if you can. Spend some of your morning in prayer and when night comes, repent for any kind of wrongdoing and trust in the Lord’s Mercy which is endless.

Some resources: The Litany of Humility ewtn.com/devotionals/prayers/humility.htm

I also like to read amazon.com/Imitation-Christ-Thomas-Kempis/dp/0899423205/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1372718597&sr=1-1&keywords=imitation+of+christ+by+thomas+kempis

If you are trying to imitate Christ then Imitation of Christ is surely for you!

Jesus was meek and humble and had much poverty. He wasn’t looking for great and lavish acts but he was looking for loving hearts. Keep praying about it and by all means pray for others including myself who are trying to seek virtue as well. It is not an easy task. It is a task that will inevitably have some pitfalls. Christ fell while carrying His cross so it is certain that we must fall too. God bless you.

 

[Edward_H]

First I think you’re doing the right thing by focusing on virtues not vices.

Some ideas.

Pick one virtue at a time.

Form one or two resolutions around that virtue…maybe pray about these…pray with a pencil

Resolutions should be binary…not “do better”. But more testable…".no personal email at work unless at planned breaks."

“Whenever my wife comes home, I’ll stand and great her with a smile and a kiss…”

In other words definite testable resolution statements.

Review your progress in prayer every day as part of your daily particular examination of conscience. And of course…your exam should always be done with God.

 

[JRKH]

First I think you’re doing the right thing by focusing on virtues not vices.

Some ideas.

Pick one virtue at a time.

Form one or two resolutions around that virtue…maybe pray about these…pray with a pencil

Resolutions should be binary…not “do better”. But more testable…".no personal email at work unless at planned breaks."

“Whenever my wife comes home, I’ll stand and great her with a smile and a kiss…”

In other words definite testable resolution statements.

Review your progress in prayer every day as part of your daily particular examination of conscience. And of course…your exam should always be done with God.

 

[ready]

Pray, fast and give alms. Pray the Litany of Humility by Cardinal Merry del Val every day. Work on practicing the corporal and spiritual Works of Mercy. Always put God and His commands first in your life; always submitting your will to His Will, your views to His views, and your spirit to His Spirit. God bless you.