God IS love and love is not religious in any way. TRUE love is absolutely virtuous

These are the characteristics (fruits) of TRUE love's divine, eternal nature. If there is no virtue, there is no TRUE love.

What is a lion-like or lamb-like virtue? The passive virtues, such as compassion, patience, etc., are the lamb-like characteristics (fruits) and weaknesses of true love's divine nature, while the active virtues, such as confidence, courage, etc., are the lion-like characteristics and strengths of true love. If you only focus on true love's weaknesses and not it's strengths, you have no strength of character and others, especially those who are ruled by their instincts and ego, will walk all over you. Conversely, if you only focus on its strengths and not its weaknesses, you do so out of self-righteousness and pride, and humility is the key to the lion laying with the lamb and being an absolutely perfect gentleman or gentlewoman of true love, a saint by any other name. In fact, humility is the only one that is of the lion and the lamb, and is neither a strength or weakness, but brings balance and harmony. Humility balances courage (strength) with consideration (weakness), confidence with patience, truthfulness with tact, etc., and is the only virtue you truly need to master, absolutely

"Beware of practicing your righteousness (virtuousness) before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven."Matthew 6:1

What this means is, your virtuousness shouldn't be about "putting on airs and graces". It should simply be, perfectly natural for you to behave like a perfect gentleman or gentlewoman of true love, a saint by any other name, with true dignity, integrity, humility, gracefulness and graciousness, etc..

Virtue of the Week

PERSEVERANCE

active lion-like characteristic (fruit) of true love's divine nature

Perseverance is being steadfast and persistent. You commit to your goals and overcome obstacles, no matter how long it takes. When you persevere, you don't give up...you keep going. Like a strong ship in a storm, you don't become battered or blown off course. You just ride the waves.

And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseveranceRomans 5:3

All 52 Virtues

There Are 52 Virtues

One For Every Week of The Year

ASSERTIVENESS

Being assertive means being bold, positive and confident. You are not afraid to express your ideas, even if others react instinctively from their pride, vanity, selfishness or ambition, etc. You know what you stand for and what you won't stand for. You expect respect, yet show respect and deal with others graciously and with courtesy, regardless.

And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.Acts 4:31

CARING

Caring is giving love and attention to people. When you care about people, you help them. You cooperate, giving your very best effort. You treat people and things gently and respectfully. Caring is love in action.

"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love (care) for one another."John 13:34-35

CLEANLINESS

Cleanliness means keeping your heart, mind and body clean. It is putting into your heart, body and your mind only the things that keep you healthy. It is staying free from influences that are not virtuous. It is cleaning up mistakes, putting the past behind you and making a fresh start.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.Psalm 51:10

COMMITMENT

Commitment is knowing clearly what you need to do, then giving it 100%, holding nothing back. You put everything into it, finishing what you started. You faithfully keep your promises.

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith2 Timothy 4:7

COMPASSION

Compassion means sharing with passion. It is opening your heart and mind, and sharing passionately and generously with others, even if you don't know them. It is wanting to help, even if all you can do is listen.

The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in lovingkindness.Psalm 103:8

CONFIDENCE

Confidence is having faith and trusting that you have what it takes to handle whatever happens. You are sure of yourself and enjoy trying new things, without letting doubts or fears hold you back. When you have confidence in others, you put your trust in them and know you can rely on them.

Therefore, do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward.Hebrews 10:35

CONSIDERATION

Consideration is being thoughtful. You consider how your words or actions affect others. You pay careful attention to what others might need and cooperate. Yet you consider yourself as well and don't be a people pleaser, by pampering to their pride, vanity and/or selfish ambition.

A wicked (unvirtuous) person desires evil; he has no consideration for his neighbor.Proverbs 21:10

COOPERATION

Cooperation is working together and sharing the load. When we cooperate, we join with others to do things that cannot be done alone. We are willing to follow the code of conduct which keep everyone safe and happy. Together we can accomplish great things, for many hands make light work, in more ways than one.

Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.Ecclesiastes 4:9

COURAGE

Courage is bravery in the face of fear. You do the right thing even when it is hard or scary. When you are courageous, you don't give up. You try new things. You admit mistakes. Courage is the strength of resolve in your heart.

"Arise! For this matter is your responsibility, but we will be with you; be courageous and act."Ezra 10:4

COURTESY

Courtesy is being polite and having good manners. When you speak and act courteously, you give others a feeling of being valued and respected. Greet people pleasantly. Bring courtesy home. Your family needs it most of all. Courtesy helps life to flow gently and smoothly.

Now in the neighborhood of that place were lands belonging to the leading man of the island, named Publius, who welcomed us and entertained us courteously three days.Acts 28:7

CREATIVITY

Creativity is the power of inspiration. It is discovering your own innate talents and daring to see things in ways others may not and find different ways to solve problems. With creativity, you can change reality.

and I've filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, understanding, knowledge, and all kinds of craftsmanshipExodus 31:3

DETACHMENT

Detachment is not allowing your instincts or ego to control you. Instead of just reacting, with detachment you are free to choose how you will act. You use thinking and feeling together, so you can make wise decisions with humility and without desire or fear.

So likewise whoever of you does not forsake all that he has, cannot be My discipleLuke 14:33

DETERMINATION

You focus your energy and efforts on a task and stick with it until it is finished. Determination is applying your will to do something when it isn't easy. You are determined to make your dream come true, even when it is hard or you are being tested.

Our heart has not turned back, and our steps have not deviated from Your wayPsalm 44:18

DILIGENCE

Diligence is working hard and doing your absolute best. You take special care by doing things step by step. Diligence helps you to get things done with excellence and enthusiasm. Diligence leads to success.

The plans of the diligent lead surely to advantage, but everyone who is hasty comes surely to poverty.Proverbs 21:5

ENTHUSIASM

Enthusiasm is being cheerful, optimistic, and full of spirit. It is doing something wholeheartedly and eagerly. When you are enthusiastic, you have a positive attitude. Enthusiasm is being inspired and full of zeal.

Who is there to harm you if you prove zealous for what is good?1 Peter 3:13

EXCELLENCE

Excellence is effort guided by a noble purpose. It is a desire for perfection. The perfection of a seed manifests in the fruit. When you practice excellence, you bring your gifts to fruition. Excellence is the key to success.

"Whereas you have been forsaken and hated, so that no one went through you, I will make you an eternal excellence, a joy of many generations."Isaiah 60:15

FLEXIBILITY

Flexibility is being open to change. You consider others' ideas and feelings and don't insist on your own way. Flexibility enables you to be creative and discover new ways to get things done. You easily drop things that become a hindrance and adopt new ones. Flexibility helps you to keep changing for the better.

Behold, I tell you a mystery; we will not all sleep, but we will all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.1 Corinthians 15:51-52

FORGIVENESS

Being forgiving is giving someone another chance after they have done something wrong. Everyone makes mistakes, including you. Forgiveness not only frees the one you forgive, it frees you too. Forgive yourself as well, when you know you've made a mistake and instead of carrying the guilt, ask for forgiveness, decide to act differently, and then be determined and have the faith that you can change. Though it doesn't mean you have to keep going back for more and being a doormat.

"But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses."Mark 11:26

FRIENDLINESS

Friendliness is being there for others, through good times and bad. You take an interest in other people and make them feel equal. You share your belongings, your time and yourself. Friendliness is the best cure for loneliness.

A man who has friends must himself be friendly, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.Proverbs 18:24

GENEROSITY

Generosity is giving and sharing. You share freely, not with the idea of receiving something in return. You find ways to lift the spirit of others, and give just for the joy of giving. Generosity is one of the best ways to show love and kindness.

But a generous man devises generous things, and by generosity he shall stand.Isaiah 32:8

GENTLENESS

Gentleness is moving wisely, touching softly, holding carefully, speaking quietly and thinking kindly. When you feel mad or hurt, use your self-control. Instead of harming someone, talk things out peacefully. You are making the world a more civil, gentler place.

But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness (virtuousness), godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness.1 Timothy 6:11

HELPFULNESS

Helpfulness is cooperating with others, without needing to be asked and doing thoughtful things that make a difference in their lives. When you see a need, act cooperatively and fill the need. Ask for help when you need it. When we help each other, we get more done and make our lives easier.

Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law (virtues) of Christ.Galatians 6:2

HONESTY

Honesty is being truthful and sincere. It is important because it builds trust. When people are honest, they can be relied on not to lie, cheat or steal. Being honest means that you accept yourself as you are and don't make yourself out to be something you're not. When you are open and trustworthy, others can believe in you.

He who speaks truth tells what is right, but a false witness, deceit.Proverbs 12:17

HONOR

Honor is living by the virtues, showing great respect for yourself, other people, and the code of conduct you live by. When you are honorable, you keep your word. Honor goes hand-in-hand with integrity.

Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one anotherRomans 12:10

HUMILITY

Humility is the key to being able to embody all the virtues. It is understanding that others are as important as yourself. You are thoughtful of their needs and willing to be of service. You don't expect others or yourself to be perfect, just perfect gentlemen or gentlewomen. You learn from your mistakes. When you do great things, humility reminds you to be thankful instead of boastful.

A man's pride will bring him low, but the humble in spirit will retain honor.Proverbs 29:23

IDEALISM

When you have ideals, you really care about what is right and meaningful in life. You follow your beliefs. You don't just accept things the way they are. You dare to go against the current and make a difference. Idealists dare to have big dreams and then act as if they are possible, even if everyone tells them it's impossible. It's and essential virtue for TRUE believers.

But know that the Lord has set apart for Himself him who is godly; The Lord will hear when I call to Him.Psalm 4:3

INTEGRITY

Integrity is living by your highest values. It is being honest and sincere. Integrity helps you to listen to your conscience, to do the right (virtuous) thing and to tell the truth. You act with integrity when your words and actions match. Integrity gives you self-respect and a peaceful heart.

He who walks with integrity walks securely, but he who perverts his ways will become known.Proverbs 10:9

JOYFULNESS

Joyfulness is an inner sense of wonder, fulfilment, confidence and serenity. You appreciate the things that each day brings. Without joyfulness, when the fun stops, our sense of wonder, fulfilment, confidence and serenity diminishes. Joy will carry you through the hard times and make the burden lighter. Joy gives us wings.

Blessed are the people who know the joyful sound! They walk, O Lord, in the light of Your countenance.Psalm 89:15

JUSTICE

Practicing justice is being fair. You don't prejudge. You see people as individuals. You can be a good judge of character and not accept it when someone acts like a bully, cheats or lies. Being a champion for justice takes courage. Sometimes when you stand for justice, you stand alone.

It is a joy for the just to do justice, but destruction will come to the workers of iniquity.Proverbs 21:15

KINDNESS

Kindness is showing you care and doing something to make life better for others. Be thoughtful about people's needs. Show love and compassion to those around you. When you are tempted to be vengeful, cruel, criticize or tease, decide to be kind instead.

"To him who is afflicted, kindness should be shown by his friend, even though he forsakes the fear of the Almighty."Job 6:14

LOYALTY

Loyalty is staying true. It is standing up for something you believe in without wavering. It is being faithful to your family, community, friends and/or ideals, when the going gets tough, as well as when things are going well. With loyalty, you build relationships that last forever.

A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.Proverbs 17:17

MODERATION

Moderation is creating a healthy balance in your life and not overdoing or getting swept away by the things you like. You use self-control to take charge of your life and your time.

that the older men be sober, reverent, temperate, sound in faith, in love, in patience; the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good thingsTitus 2:2-3

MODESTY

Modesty is having self-respect. When you value yourself, you accept praise with humility and gratitude. Modesty is being comfortable with yourself.

Likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire1 Timothy 2:9

NOBILITY

Nobility is the majesty and fulfilment of all the virtues. It is what comes when all your thoughts, words and actions are conducted with peacefulness, gracefulness, graciousness, kindness and humility, etc. Nobility is the righteous fruit of true love's (God's) absolute virtuousness and makes your stature like a king's.

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy, meditate on these thingsPhilippians 4:8

ORDERLINESS

Orderliness is being neat and living with a sense of harmony. You are organized, and you know where things are when you need them. Solve problems step by step instead of going in circles. Order around you creates order inside you. It gives you peace of mind.

Take them and be purified with them, and pay their expenses so that they may shave their heads, and that all may know that those things of which they were informed concerning you are nothing, but that you yourself also walk orderly and keep the law.Acts 21:24

PATIENCE

Patience is quiet hope and trust that things will turn out right. You wait without complaining. You are tolerant and accepting of difficulties and mistakes. You picture the end in the beginning and persevere to meet your goals. Patience is a commitment to the future and going with the flow.

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.James 1:2-8

PEACEFULNESS

Peacefulness is being calm inside, taking the time to smell the roses and resolving conflicts. Be a peacemaker. Peace is giving up the love of power for the power of love. Peace in the world begins with peace in your heart.

If the household is worthy, let your peace come upon it. But if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you.Matthew 10:13

PURPOSEFULNESS

Being purposeful is having a clear focus. Begin with a vision for what needs to be accomplished and concentrate on it. Do one thing at a time, without scattering your focus. When you are purposeful, you make things happen.

to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose determined before to be done.Acts 4:28

RELIABILITY

Reliability means that others can depend on you. You keep your commitments and give your best to every task. You are responsible and able to respond. You don't forget, and you don't need to be reminded. Other people can relax knowing things are in your reliable hands.

"Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock"Matthew 7:24

RESPECT

We show respect by speaking and acting with courtesy. We treat others with dignity and graciousness, and honor the code of virtuous conduct in our family and community. When you show respect to others, you not only build up respect within yourself, but are building up their self-respect.

"So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets."Matthew 7:12

RESPONSIBILITY

Being responsible means others can trust you to do things to the best of your abilities. You accept accountability for your actions, as actions always have consequences. When you make a mistake, you offer amends instead of excuses. Responsibility is the ability to respond capably and to make wise choices and decisions.

Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.Proverbs 22:6

SELF-DISCIPLINE

Self-discipline means self-control. It is doing what you know you need to do, rather than being tossed around by your feelings and instincts like a leaf in the wind. You act instead of react. You get things done in an orderly and efficient way. With self-discipline (self-control), you take charge of your life.

but if they cannot exercise self-control, let them marry. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion.1 Corinthians 7:9

SERVICE

Service is cooperating with others and making a difference in their lives. You consider their needs as important as your own. Be helpful without waiting to be asked. Do every job with excellence. When you act with a spirit of service, you can change the world.

The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those who exercise authority over them are called ‘benefactors.’ But not so among you; on the contrary, he who is greatest among you, let him be as the younger, and he who governs as he who serves.Luke 22:26

TACT

Tact is telling the truth kindly and courteously. Think before you speak, knowing what is better left unsaid. When you are tactful, others find it easier to hear what you have to say. Tact builds bridges.

Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.Ephesians 4:29

THANKFULNESS

Thankfulness is being grateful for what we have. It is an attitude of gratitude for learning, loving and being. Appreciate the little things that happen around you and within you every day. Think positively. Thankfulness brings contentment.

And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.Colossians 3:15

TOLERANCE

Being tolerant is accepting differences. You don't expect others to think, look, speak or act the same as you. You are free of prejudice, knowing that everyone is different and diverse, with their own life and part to play in it. Tolerance is also accepting things you wish were different with patience and flexibility.

With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in (true) loveEphesians 4:2

TRUST

Trust is having faith in someone or something. It is a positive attitude about life. You are confident that the right (virtuous) thing will happen without trying to control it or make it happen. Even when difficult things happen, trust helps us to find the gift or lesson in it.

The righteous (virtuous) shall be glad in the Lord, and trust in Him. And all the upright in heart shall glory.Psalm 64:10

TRUSTWORTHINESS

Trustworthiness is being worthy of trust. People can count on you to do your best, to keep your word and to follow through on your commitments. You do what you say you will do. Trustworthiness is a key to success in anything you do.

Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy in spirit keeps a thing covered.Proverbs 11:13

TRUTHFULNESS

Truthfulness is being honest in your words and actions. You don't tell lies even to defend yourself or pamper to the instincts and ego of others. Don't listen to gossip or prejudice. See the truth for yourself. Don't try to be more than you are to impress others. Be true to yourself, who, what, why and how you truly are, in your heart of hearts (soul).

The truthful lip shall be established forever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment.Proverbs 12:19

UNDERSTANDING

Understanding is using your mind to think clearly, paying careful attention to see the meaning of things. An understanding mind gives you insights and wonderful ideas. An understanding heart gives you empathy and compassion for others. Understanding is the power to think and learn and also to care and leads to wisdom.

Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understandingProverbs 4:7

UNITY

Unity helps us work and live together peacefully. We feel connected with each other and all living things. We value the uniqueness of each person as a gift, not as a reason to feel outacst for your difference, fight or be scared. With unity we accomplish more together than any one of us could alone.

till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect gentleman, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of ChristEphesians 4:13