The Dignity of the Human Person

The Christian moral life begins in our creation in the image of God, our call to beatitude (the Beatitudes), our freedom and responsibility, our conscience formed by truth, the virtues (theological — faith, hope, love; cardinal — prudence, justice, fortitude, temperance), the reality of sin (mortal and venial), and the grace that heals and elevates human nature. Moral action is not first about rules but about who we are becoming in Christ.

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
— Matthew 5:8 (WEB)

Note

CCC §1691-2051. Catholic morality starts not with prohibitions but with vocation: we are made for happiness in God.

Bible references

Genesis 1:27 · Matthew 5:3-12 · Romans 2:14-15 · 1 Corinthians 13:13 · Galatians 5:22-23 · 1 John 5:17 · Wisdom 8:7 · 2 Peter 1:4