Rooted in Virtues: Growing in Christ Through God’s Word
By: Precious Allitt
“Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”
— Jeremiah 17:7-8 (NASB)
Building Virtues Through the Word of God
Virtues aren’t just good ideas—they are spiritual practices that shape our character and bring us closer to God. But here’s the truth: we don’t develop these virtues on our own. It takes intentionality, practice, and most importantly, being rooted in God’s Word.
This year, we are committing to growing deeper in spiritual virtues—not just talking about them, but living them out. And it starts with Scripture. The Bible is our foundation, our nourishment, and our guide. As we dig into each virtue, we’ll see how God’s Word teaches us to love better, forgive more, remain faithful, and walk in humility.
A Year of Virtues Rooted in the Word
Each month, we will focus on a specific virtue, allowing it to take root in our hearts as we grow in faith.
🌱 January: Practicing Love and Compassion (LOVE)
📖 John 13:34 (NASB) – “I am giving you a new commandment, that you love one another; just as I have loved you, that you also love one another.”
We start the year with the foundation of all virtues—love. Jesus commands us to love others the way He loves us. And let’s be real—loving like Jesus isn’t always easy. It takes practice, patience, and being rooted in the Word. The more we study Scripture, the more we understand God’s definition of love—not just a feeling, but an action.
✅ Bible Study Tip: As you read Scripture this month, look for ways God demonstrates His love. How can you reflect that love in your daily life?
🙌 Affirmation: I will love others as Christ has loved me, with compassion, patience, and grace.
🌱 February: Practicing Patience in Love (PATIENCE)
📖 Ephesians 4:2 (NASB) – “With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love.”
Patience is a test of spiritual maturity. It’s easy to be patient when everything is smooth, but what about when people test you? The Bible teaches that love and patience go hand in hand—when we are rooted in Scripture, we learn to extend grace even when it’s difficult.
✅ Bible Study Tip: Read about how Jesus showed patience (especially with His disciples). How does His example challenge you?
🙌 Affirmation: I will be patient in love, choosing grace over frustration.
🌱 March: Responding to Conflict with Kindness (KINDNESS)
📖 Ephesians 4:32 (NASB) – “Be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.”
Conflict is inevitable, but how we respond is a reflection of our spiritual maturity. The Word teaches us to respond with kindness, not just when it’s easy, but when it’s hard. Kindness isn’t weakness—it’s strength under control.
✅ Bible Study Tip: Memorize this verse and practice it in your daily interactions. When conflict arises, ask: How can I respond with kindness instead of reacting in frustration?
🙌 Affirmation: I will choose kindness, even in difficult situations.
🌱 April: Embracing Humility in Following Jesus (HUMILITY)
📖 Proverbs 11:2 (NASB) – “When pride comes, then comes dishonor; but with the humble there is wisdom.”
Humility isn’t about thinking less of yourself—it’s about thinking of yourself less. When we are rooted in the Word, we learn that humility allows us to serve, love, and follow Jesus more fully.
✅ Bible Study Tip: Read Philippians 2:5-8 about Christ’s humility. What does it teach you about how to live?
🙌 Affirmation: I will walk in humility, putting others before myself as Christ did.
🌱 May: Prioritizing Compassion & Selflessness (COMPASSION)
📖 1 Peter 3:8 (NASB) – “To sum up, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, loving, compassionate, and humble.”
A heart rooted in compassion sees the needs of others and responds with love. When we read the Bible, we see that Jesus didn’t just feel compassion—He acted on it.
✅ Bible Study Tip: As you read the Gospels, take note of how Jesus showed compassion. How can you apply that in your life?
🙌 Affirmation: I will lead with compassion, choosing selflessness over selfishness.
🌱 June: Embracing Forgiveness as a Way of Life (FORGIVENES)
📖 Proverbs 19:11 (NASB) – “A person’s discretion makes him slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense.”
Forgiveness isn’t about ignoring hurt—it’s about choosing freedom. The Bible teaches that forgiven people forgive others.
✅ Bible Study Tip: Read Matthew 18:21-35 about the parable of the unforgiving servant. What does it teach you about forgiveness?
🙌 Affirmation: I will forgive as Christ has forgiven me, releasing bitterness and embracing grace.
Some Encouragement
As we go through the first half of this year, let’s be intentional about living out these virtues. It’s not about perfection—it’s about progress. And as we stay in the Word, we will see real growth in our hearts, our faith, and our relationships.
The first half of our year focused on building a strong foundation in love, patience, kindness, humility, compassion, and forgiveness. But spiritual growth doesn’t stop there.
The next six months will challenge us to remain faithful, embrace joy, practice gentleness, cultivate peace, exercise self-control, and live in gratitude.
The key to all of this? Staying in the Word. When we consistently engage with Scripture, we allow God to shape our hearts and mold our character.