infused

A term used in Catholic theology that is derived from the Latin word for “poured in” referring to the grace (love) of God that he pours into our hearts through the Holy Spirit (see Romans 5:5). This term is used to describe virtues, graces, and activities that are poured into the soul by the grace of God in contrast to those that are acquired by effort and practice. This Roman Catholic teaching of infused virtue is also contrasted to the Protestant doctrine of imputed righteousness (also referred to as forensic justification) where believers are deemed righteous (justified) by Christ’s merits being imputed or credited to the believer without any intrinsic worthiness of the individual.