7 CONTRARY VIRTUES

Question 1

Humility

Answer 1

• is seeing ourselves as we are and not comparing ourselves to others.
• Pride and vanity are competitive.
• If someone else’s pride really bothers you, you have a lot of pride.

Question 2

Love

Answer 2

• “Love is patient, love is kind…” Love actively seeks the good of others for their sake.
• Envy resents the good others receive or even might receive.
• Envy is almost indistinguishable from pride at times.

Question 3

Temperance

Answer 3

• accepts the natural limits of pleasures and preserves this natural balance.
• This does not pertain only to food, but to entertainment and other legitimate goods, and even the company of others.

Question 4

Self Control

Answer 4

• Self-control helps protect the soul from being overwhelmed by too much pleasure.
• Good pleasures (like food, fun, relationships) are meant to be enjoyed in moderation, like how athletes train their muscles — for strength, not damage.
• Lust is when the desire for pleasure (like sex or attention) goes way beyond what it’s worth.
• Things like sex, power, and image can be good when used properly — but they can also get out of control and become harmful if not managed.

Question 5

Kindness

Answer 5

Definition:
* Choosing to respond to others with tenderness, patience, and compassion.
* It’s the opposite of reacting with anger, impatience, or judgment.
Why it’s hard:
* Our first reaction is often to get mad or annoyed when others mess up.
* Opposing Sin: Anger / Wrath
* Anger rushes to blame or punish. Kindness slows down and listens.

Example:
Instead of yelling when someone cuts in line, you let it go or respond calmly.

Question 6

Generosity

Answer 6

Definition:
* Giving freely and joyfully — time, help, praise, energy — not just money.
* It’s about sharing without expecting anything in return.
Opposing Sin: Greed
* Greed always wants more or feels like it’s owed something.
* Generosity says, “I have enough — and I want to give.”

Example:
Letting a classmate take credit for a group idea, or helping someone study even when you’re busy.

Question 7

Zeal

Answer 7

Definition:
* A passionate, excited response to God’s call — showing energy, purpose, and spiritual motivation.
* It’s the opposite of being lazy in your faith.
Opposing Sin: Sloth (spiritual laziness)
* The other sins (like pride, lust, envy) numb us spiritually.
* We stop caring about what God wants, and start drifting.

Example:
Choosing to pray, volunteer, or stand up for what’s right — even when it’s hard or unpopular.