Catechism of the Catholic Church

Life in Christ 451 1832 The fruits of the Spirit are perfections that the Holy Spirit forms in us as the first fruits of eternal glory. The tradition of the Church lists twelve of them: “charity, joy, peace, patience, kind- ness, goodness, generosity, gentleness, faithfulness, modesty, self- control, chastity.” 112 IN BRIEF 1833 Virtue is a habitual and firm disposition to do good. 1834 The human virtues are stable dispositions of the intel- lect and the will that govern our acts, order our pas­ sions, and guide our conduct in accordance with reason and faith. They can be grouped around the four cardinal virtues: prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance. 1835 Prudence disposes the practical reason to discern, in every circumstance, our true good and to choose the right means for achieving it. 1836 Justice consists in the firm and constant will to give God and neighbor their due. 1837 Fortitude ensures firmness in difficulties and con- stancy in the pursuit of the good. 1838 Temperance moderates the attraction of the pleasures of the senses and provides balance in the use of creat- ed goods. 1839 The moral virtues grow through education, deliber- ate acts, and perseverance in struggle. Divine grace purifies and elevates them. 1840 The theological virtues dispose Christians to live in a relationship with the Holy Trinity. They have God for their origin, their motive, and their object—God known by faith, God hoped in and loved for his own sake. 1841 There are three theological virtues: faith, hope, and charity. They inform all the moral virtues and give life to them. 112 Gal 5:22-23 (Vulg.). 736