How To Become A Woman Of Valor And Virtue by Rev. Christie Bature: MP3 Download & Sermon Notes

Defining Virtue

Virtue is moral excellence, goodness, and righteousness. It is the conformity of one's life and conduct to moral and ethical principles — uprightness, rectitude. Virtue is chastity, purity. It is a particular moral excellence.

But more specifically: virtue is the habit of choosing what is right even when it is not easy.

When it is easy to do good, it requires no virtue. Virtue is what you choose when the cost is real.

Virtue is not just a single good action. It is a pattern of goodness — a pattern formed over time.

Do not do good one time and congratulate yourself. You are only truly virtuous when you have established it as a pattern. In philosophy, Aristotle teaches that virtues like courage, temperance, and justice are developed through practice — through repeated choosing of the good until it becomes who you are.

Defining Valor

Valor is boldness or determination in facing great danger — especially in battle. It is heroic courage. It is bravery.

When people hear the word valor, they think of men. The qualities surrounding valor look masculine. That is why most men's fellowships are called "Men of Valor" — but women's groups are called women of excellence, women of grace, women of peace, women of light.

Today that is shifting. We are becoming women of valor. We are not apologetic about who we are. We have a right to be here and to operate here.

Something has to shift in the mind — especially for women from cultures where aspiration itself requires permission.

Virtue Is Godly Character

In scripture, virtue refers to moral excellence that reflects the character of God. It is godly character — becoming more like Jesus every day.

Paul said: "I forget those things which are behind and press toward the fullness of the stature of Christ." That pressing is what virtue looks like in motion.

The chase for fame has become so consuming that children no longer want to go to school — they want to be famous on social media doing nonsense. The church is gradually being swept into the same current. We are chasing everything but God.

Virtue is godly character. Not what looks impressive to others — what reflects the nature of God.

In 2 Peter 1:5, the Message translation says: "Don't lose a minute in building on what you have been given. Complimenting your basic faith with good character." That is virtue — faith expressing itself in good character.

Areas of Virtue That Must Be Fought For

One such area is bitterness. Offences can be stacked until they carry weight — like bars of gold, treated as a treasure. They become a badge of honour.

The journey of virtue means consistently removing each layer of bitterness as God points it out. Bitterness disguises itself:

• As constructive criticism — but it is destructive
• As concern for a sister — but it is resentment dressed in prayer language
• As righteous indignation — but it is unforgiveness

Consistently choosing good — even in how you respond to those who have wounded you — until it becomes your normal. That is virtue.

Virtue Is Integrity When No One Is Watching

You declare: "This body is the temple of the Lord. I will be careful what I put in it." When people are around, you keep the commitment. When alone, the smallest exception seems harmless.

Virtue is the commitment you keep when no audience is watching. That is integrity.

Virtue Is Self-Control When Emotions Rise

Self-control is not passive tolerance. It is active restraint. God asked: "Do you know why you don't have peace? Because you are always trying to control outcomes. And I am the only one with the power and the privilege to control outcomes. The day you relinquish the need to control outcomes, you will have peace."

So the journey of virtue includes learning how to let God be in control — not your anxiety, not your manipulation.

Virtue Is Kindness When Offense Is Possible

In John 13, Jesus knew that his hour had come. He knew that Judas would betray him. The sin had not yet taken place, but Jesus was aware it was coming. And he still washed Judas's feet.

He washed the feet of the one who would betray him — knowing the betrayal was coming.

Virtue is kindness when offense is possible — even when the offense is not yet committed but you already know it is on the way.

For many, the offense was ten years ago. Yet every time they encounter the person, that person is made to pay for it again — through a look, through posture, through silence. Virtue is the daily choice not to charge interest on an old debt.

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After washing the disciples' feet, Jesus put his garments back on and returned to his place at the table. Serving them did not reduce him. It did not take his seat away. In this kingdom, serving does not diminish you. It defines you.

Virtue Is Purity in Motive, Not Just Action

Jesus said: "If you think it, you have done it." The culture speaks of physical purity while ignoring the condition of the heart. God is talking about spiritual purity — the kind that controls the physical. If the interior is not in order, the exterior performance is hollow.

Valor — The Courage That Activates Virtue

Valor is courage displayed when something meaningful is at stake. When they come and speak against your Jesus — what do you say?

There was a man who came home drunk during riots in Zariya. They met him and demanded he renounce his faith. In that drunken state, he knew who he was. He said: "Kill me. I am a Christian."

He arrived in heaven drunk — but he arrived.

Do you have that level of conviction?

Virtue is speaking up when you should. Not hiding your identity. Not compromising or conforming. Not camouflaging who you are when the moment demands courage.

The Woman of Valor in Proverbs 31

The Hebrew word used in Proverbs 31:10 for "virtuous woman" is eshet chayil — and chayil is a remarkable word. It means:

• Strength
• Courage
• Valor
• Force
• Wealth
• Capability
• An army

One woman alone is described as an army. In many places throughout the Old Testament, chayil is used to describe mighty warriors. And God used this same word for the woman.

The woman in Proverbs 31 is not fragile. She is a woman of strength, capability, and valor. She builds, manages resources, leads, and protects her household. Her virtue is active strength.

You are not weak. Do not let anyone tell you that. You are chayil — strong, full of valor, a force, capable. You, by yourself alone, are an army.