Exploring The Opposing Forces: Virtues And Sins In Harmony

The seven deadly sins and the seven virtues are two sides of the same coin. The seven deadly sins, or the capital vices, are well-known, but their counterpart, the seven virtues, are less so. The seven virtues, also called the capital virtues, contrary virtues, or heavenly virtues, are the antidotes to the seven deadly sins. They were first defined by Saint Ambrose, the Bishop of Milan from 374-397 CE, who combined the four cardinal virtues with the three theological virtues. The seven deadly sins and the seven virtues are diametrically opposed to each other, and they represent a fundamental aspect of classical Christian theology.

Pride and humility

Pride is typically associated with sin and is considered one of the seven deadly sins in Christian theology. It is often viewed as the root of all sins or the "queen of sins," as described by Gregory the Great in the 6th century. This is because pride represents a disordered posture of the heart, where one loves oneself above God, which separates individuals from God and others. The vices of pride include arrogance, vanity, snobbery, envy, haughtiness, presumption, and domination.

On the other hand, humility is often seen as the antidote to pride and is considered a virtue. It involves recognizing that one's talents and accomplishments are gifts from God and not solely one's own doing. Humility is associated with gratitude and a posture of awe at God's gifts. The virtues of humility include a lack of arrogance, vanity, and snobbery.

However, it is important to note that there can be virtues and vices associated with both pride and humility. For example, virtuous pride can include self-respect, self-confidence, and vigorous agency, while the vices of humility can include self-contempt, self-diffidence, and contempt for one's associates.

In conclusion, while pride and humility are often presented as opposites, with one being a virtue and the other a vice, the relationship between them is more complex. Both pride and humility can have positive and negative aspects, and they can even support or enhance each other when properly balanced.

Greed and charity

Greed is a complex emotion that can manifest in various ways, such as a yearning for material possessions or wealth. It is often associated with a self-centred desire for more than one needs or deserves, which can lead to unhappiness and a disconnect from others. On the other hand, charity is a virtue that involves giving to those in need and being generous with one's time, money, and resources. It is the opposite of greed and is considered a noble quality.

In Christian history, the seven heavenly virtues are believed to be the antidotes to the seven deadly sins, which include greed. The theological virtues, as named by Paul the Apostle in 1 Corinthians 13, are faith, hope, and charity, with charity being the greatest of these. This virtue of charity, or love, is seen as a divine gift that can only be practised with God's grace. By embracing charity, individuals can overcome the sin of greed and find greater happiness and connection to others.

Generosity, or charity, is the direct antidote to greed. It involves giving without expecting anything in return and can take many forms, such as donating to charities, helping those in need within one's community, or simply performing random acts of kindness. By focusing on others rather than oneself, individuals can break free from the selfish desires that characterise greed. This shift in perspective not only benefits those on the receiving end but also brings greater happiness and fulfilment to the giver.

While greed can lead to a narrow focus on material possessions and wealth, charity encourages a broader perspective that recognises the needs of others. This virtue promotes a sense of community and connection, fostering a more positive and supportive environment. By practising charity, individuals can develop a greater sense of empathy and compassion, which can lead to more meaningful relationships and a deeper sense of fulfilment in life.

In conclusion, greed and charity are opposites in the moral sense, with greed representing self-centred desires and charity embodying selfless giving. By cultivating the virtue of charity, individuals can overcome the sin of greed, leading to increased happiness and a more positive impact on the world around them.

Lust and chastity

Lust is a strong sexual desire or craving. It is considered a sin when it is sought for its own sake, outside of its procreative and unitive purpose within a marriage. It can lead to people being viewed as objects and can cause dehumanisation. It is considered a corporal sin, which separates people from God.

Chastity, on the other hand, is a virtue that helps to right-order desires and cultivate a pure heart. It is a form of self-control that involves embracing and appreciating one's body as a good creation of God. It is a way to overcome the sin of lust and involves dressing modestly, practising self-denial, and avoiding situations that trigger lustful thoughts.

Lust is considered a dangerous vice that has existed throughout history and has led to societal destruction. It is seen as a perversion of all that is good and beautiful, especially when it comes to sexual or carnal lust. It is believed to blind people to the fact that falling into the hands of a holy God is a fearful thing.

Chastity, in contrast, is viewed as a way to pursue moral and sexual purity and to bring harmony between body and soul. It is seen as a way to overcome the destructive nature of lust and to realign oneself with God and His goodness.

Envy and kindness

On the other hand, kindness is a heavenly virtue that overcomes the sin of envy. It involves looking upon one's life with positivity and counting one's blessings, rather than focusing on what one doesn't have. Kindness is an expression of love and seeks the welfare of others. It is a fruit of the Spirit and glorifies God by displaying His character. Jesus commanded us to reflect the kindness of God in our relationships with others.

Envy inhibits the fulfillment of our purpose, while kindness promotes it. Envy is motivated by rivalry and conceit, exalting oneself by devaluing others. In contrast, kindness reveals, exalts, reflects, and broadcasts the value, significance, beauty, and majesty of God in our actions, attitudes, perspectives, and speech.

Therefore, envy and kindness are polar opposites, with envy being a deadly sin and kindness being a heavenly virtue.

Wrath and patience

The seven virtues, also known as the capital or lively virtues, are thought to stand in opposition to the seven deadly sins. The seven virtues are chastity, temperance, charity, diligence, kindness, patience, and humility. The seven deadly sins are lust, greed, envy, wrath, pride, and sloth.

Wrath and anger are not the same. Anger is a natural emotion, and even Jesus experienced it. However, wrath is the sinful version of anger. Wrath is a constant feeding of anger to the point where it becomes irrational and blinding. It can lead to verbal or physical actions that hurt others. It can also create wars or personal conflicts. Wrath can destroy relationships, a sense of peace and well-being, and even physical and emotional health.

Patience, on the other hand, is a virtue that involves endurance under difficult circumstances. It is the ability to persevere in the face of delay or provocation without acting on annoyance or anger in a negative way. Patience is described as "a grace as difficult as it is necessary, and as hard to come by as it is precious when it is gained." It is a fruit of the Spirit that requires cultivation and growth.

Jesus told a parable about a king who forgave the debt of a servant, who then failed to show the same patience to a fellow servant who owed him money. This parable illustrates the contrast between a wrathful man and a patient man. The Scriptures instruct us to put off wrath and put on patience as one of the garments of God's elect.

True strength comes from patience, and it is a necessary virtue for those who want to grow into the image of Jesus Christ. Patience allows us to take the high road, play the long game, and successfully deal with troublesome people, issues, and situations. It is a virtue that requires cultivation and growth, and it is an evidence of a true and lively faith.

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