theological virtues
faith, hope, charity (love); virtues given to us by God and not by human efforts
faith
gift from God that gives us the ability to believe in Him and give our lives to Him; KNOWING He exists and relying on Him
hope
the confidence that God will always be with us, make us happy, and help us to live so that we will be with Him forever; the desire for all good things
charity
(aka love) the virtue given to us by God that helps us love Him above all other things and our neighbors as oneself; the ability to put yourself into others' shoes and make appropriate changes for the better
virtues
attitudes or ways of acting that enables us to do good
cardinal virtues
pudence, justice, fortitude, temperance; developed to govern actions, order feelings, and guide conduct according to faith and reason; comes from the latin word for hinge
prudence
directs us towards good and helps us to choose the correct means to achieve that good
justice
guides us to give to God and others what is due to them
fortitude
the strength to do what is right when it's hard, and to face temptation and avoid it
temperance
helps you balance wants and needs to build self control
wisdom
lets you see life from God's perspective and recognize the real values of people, events, and things; keeps us from judging foolishly
understanding
gives insight into truths of faith and being a follower of Jesus; helps us make the right choices in our relationships with God and others; grows and is strengthened through prayer and scripture
right judgment
(counsel) helps you seek advice of others or to help others with your own advice to solve problems
knowledge
helps you know what God asks of YOU and how you should respond; helps us recognize temptations and turn to God for help (more about knowing your inner self)
courage
enables you to stand up for your beliefs and what is right and to follow Jesus' examples and teachings
reverence
(piety) helps us to love and worship God and to be generous to God and others
wonder and awe
helps you recognize your dependence on God and His greatness and love
Gifts of the Spirit
received at Baptism and strengthened in Confirmation; help you keep your friendship with God strong and guide you in critical situations when you find it hard to cope with problems or to make decisions and respond to God fully and lovingly