On Fortitude

I am weak. I want to be courageous. I have been thinking about spiritual strength lately. Me and AI did some talking back and forth and it helped me come up with a four week reading that explores the virtue of fortitude-spiritual strength, holy courage, and endurance-through classic theologians, Puritans, and a modern writer. Each week includes selected readings and reflection questions. Thought you might enjoy. Live links provided where available.

Week 1: The Nature of True Strength

• Augustine - On the Morals of the Catholic Church, Chapter 21

Fortitude is "love readily bearing all things for God's sake."

https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/1401.htm

• Thomas Watson - The Christian Soldier, Chapter 1

The Christian life is a battle requiring spiritual strength and holy violence.

https://www.fivesolas.com/Watson/soldier1.htm

• J.I. Packer - Knowing God, Chapter 22: 'These Inward Trials'

God strengthens us through trials and suffering.

Reflect:

How do you define strength in your own life?

In what ways does your love for God produce courage?

Week 2: Fortitude in Temptation and Inner Battle

• Thomas Aquinas - Summa Theologiae II-II, Q.123, A.6

Endurance is the chief act of fortitude.

https://www.newadvent.org/summa/3123.htm

• John Owen - Of the Mortification of Sin, Chapter 6

The Spirit empowers us to fight sin daily.

https://www.monergism.com/mortification-sin-believers-ebook

• J.I. Packer - Rediscovering Holiness, Chapter 8

Holiness requires long-term, Spirit-enabled effort.

https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/j-i-packer-on-holiness

Reflect:

Where in your life are you most tempted to give in?

What does 'daily endurance' look like for you?

Week 3: Fortitude in Suffering and Affliction

• John Chrysostom - Letter to Olympias (from exile)

Joyful courage and endurance in the face of persecution.

https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/1916.htm

• John Flavel - Keeping the Heart, Part 3

Maintaining inward fortitude in times of suffering.

https://www.monergism.com/keeping-heart

• J.I. Packer - A Grief Sanctified

Christian courage and endurance in grief and loss.

https://www.crossway.org/books/a-grief-sanctified-tpb/

Reflect:

What trial are you facing that requires spiritual strength? How does endurance differ from just 'getting through it'?

Week 4: Fortitude as Witness (Martyrdom and Testimony)

• Ignatius of Antioch - Letter to the Romans

"Let me be food for the wild beasts... I am God's wheat."

https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/0107.htm

• William Gurnall - The Christian in Complete Armour, ch. 1-2

Spiritual warfare requires daily courage and divine armor.

https://www.monergism.com/christian-complete-armour

• J.I. Packer - Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God, Chapter 3

Evangelistic boldness flows from knowing God.

https://www.ivpress.com/evangelism-and-the-sovereignty-of-god

Reflect:

In what way is your life a visible witness to Christ?

Where is fear holding you back from obedience?