Character
Character is what a disciple becomes. It refers to the inner virtues cultivated by the Holy Spirit. As a believer is conformed to the image of Jesus, they think and talk and act like Jesus—the proof of a heart increasingly transformed. Peter describes this change in 2 Peter 1:3-8,
His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, selfcontrol; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Several spiritual principles are stated in this powerful passage. First, God, through His Spirit, has provided every Christian what we need to live a godly life. Second, according to the promise of God, we are able to “participate in the divine nature”—becoming like Jesus—and escape the corruption of the world (see also Romans 12:1-2).
Third, since we have this potential, we should intentionally “add to” our faith all of the virtues mentioned. Finally, as our character is conformed to Christ, we become productive and effective in our life with Jesus.
Character is essentially the “overflow of the heart.” The Christian wants to be loving, gracious, merciful and kind at the core. But, even before the believer experiences this inward change, they can choose to act according to these and other character traits. Very often, the Bible commands the Christian to show love, be gracious, act mercifully or treat people with kindness, with the expectation that as they cooperate with the Holy Spirit, they will learn to be what they do. In other words, their actions will form their character.
Like knowledge, there are dozens of character traits that God wishes to refine in the Christian. The following 11 Core Character Traits are especially important:
Love — The disciple demonstrates unconditional, unlimited and unselfish
love for others.
Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us. (1 John 4:7-12)
Joy — The disciple demonstrates God-centered gladness in spite of their circumstances.
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. (James 1:2-3)
Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls. (1 Peter 1:8-9)
Peace — The disciple demonstrates contentment in life because they are rightly related to God and seeks to be rightly related to others.
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. (Romans 5:1-2)
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. (Romans 12:17-18)
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. (Matthew 5:9)
Patience — The disciple demonstrates endurance in the unavoidable pressures of life.
Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. (Psalm 37:7)
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. (Romans 12:12)
For it is commendable if a man bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God. But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. (1 Peter 2:19-21)
Kindness/Goodness — The disciple demonstrates favor toward people
by doing and saying things that bless others.
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. (Colossians 3:12)
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23)
So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith. (Galatians 6:10)
Faithfulness — The disciple demonstrates dependable loyalty toward God and others in the commitments they have made.
Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. (Luke 16:10)
But be sure to fear the LORD and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you. (1 Samuel 12:24)
Gentleness — The disciple demonstrates a calm spirit of thoughtfulness when dealing with others.
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. (Proverbs 15:1)
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. (Philippians 4:4-5)
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. (Matthew 5:5)
Self-Control — The disciple demonstrates temperance in their speech, attitudes and actions.
For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. (Titus 2:11-14)
Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. (1 Peter 5:8)
Grace — The disciple demonstrates forgiveness, mercy and generosity to others, even those who have offended them.
Freely you have received, freely give. (Matthew 10:8)
Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. (Colossians 3:13)
Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. (Colossians 4:6)
Hope — The disciple demonstrates a growing anticipation of God’s future promises and their secure eternity with Him.
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. (1 Peter 1:3-5)
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13)
But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you. (Psalm 39:7)
Humility — The disciple esteems others above themselves through service and deference.
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus. (Philippians 2:3-5)
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. (Ephesians 4:2)