What this page covers
What kind of character does Scripture call people to, and how does it form?
Each virtue has its own page only when there is enough distinct material. Forgiveness is the first; patience, humility, kindness and wisdom are planned.
Biblical writers describe virtue less as self-improvement than as a response: people forgiven are to forgive; people shown mercy are to be merciful. Lists such as the “fruit of the Spirit” in Galatians 5 present these qualities as growing together rather than as separate achievements.
Christian traditions have organized this material differently — Catholic teaching speaks of the theological and cardinal virtues; many Protestant traditions emphasize sanctification. The topic pages note those differences where they matter.