The evangelical counsels in Christianity are three virtues or counsels of perfection that are recommended by Jesus for those seeking to live a life of Christian perfection. They are:
- Chastity : The practice of purity in heart and body, including celibacy for those who take vows, and fidelity in marriage for spouses.
- Poverty : A voluntary detachment from material possessions and riches, embracing simplicity and reliance on God.
- Obedience : Submission to God's will as expressed through legitimate authority, especially within the Church, and following Christ's example of loving obedience.
These counsels are called "evangelical" because they are found in the Gospel and were lived and taught by Jesus Christ, who was poor in spirit, chaste in heart, and obedient to the will of the Father
. While all Christians are called to live according to these counsels in a manner appropriate to their state of life, they are especially professed publicly by those in consecrated religious life through vows. Religious men and women take vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience as a total consecration to God and a way to follow Christ more closely
. The counsels serve to remove obstacles to charity and manifest the fullness of love, guiding the faithful towards perfection in Christian living
. In summary, the evangelical counsels are chastity, poverty, and obedience- virtues that guide Christians, especially those in religious life, to live in closer imitation of Christ and deeper commitment to God
