Virtue is Its Own Reward

Virtue carries within itself not only a sense of moral goodness but altruism as well. Virtuous acts that result in a benefit to us are tainted, not nearly as virtuous as they appear. Therefore, for virtue to have any reward, virtue itself must be the reward.

I am saddened to see so few opportunities in our culture for people to practice virtue. For example, we are frequently induced to make donations to various causes by the offer of appreciation gifts. I wonder if that is why Jesus tells us to invite the poor to dinner. Since they cannot invite us in return, we have the opportunity to exercise virtue and receive its reward.