Character is simply the inner qualities of a person that shapes how they think, act, and respond to situations. In other word it is the real personality of a person when no one is watching. Now, let us look at the meaning of character from Biblical view. From a Christian perspective; character is typically the reflection of God’s nature in a person’s life. The traits that believer exhibits shows cases the true nature of Christ in them. Join us in this article as we explore some powerful scriptures that teaches about true character;
For Christians, having quality character does not stop at just being a “good person”, it goes beyond being a good person. It is the ability to display Christ-like manners, the ones that Jesus himself embodied when he was on earth. As followers of Christ, we have been called to be people that exude joy, peace, hope, patience, integrity, faith, humility and the other fruits of the Holy, just as Jesus showcased these characters. The Characters we display is a visible sign that our lives have been submitted to God and empowered by the Holy Spirit. Christian character is shaped and woven through the scriptures, nurtured in our walk and relationship, and then proven in times of trials and difficulties.
SEE ALSO: 40 Important Bible Verses About Dignity
In Christianity, character is not just about this life, it has perpetual implications. We are called to behave like Christ and reflect his true nature, not just for us to be saved, but also it to be known that we belong to God. Christian character does not mean perfection, it is simply direction. In a world desperate for hope and originality, as Christians, let us endeavor to continue to reflect Christ like character.
What Does The Bible Say About Character?
The Bible expressly teaches that Character is not merely about our outward actions, but about our inner actions of a transformed heart. Christian character is not one that is developed by human efforts or by reading. They are characters that are founded in Christ, and developed by the Holy Spirit. When we have the Holy Spirit, he builds very notable traits in us known as the “Fruit Of The Holy Spirit”. {Galatians 5:22-23} The Bible encourages us to follow the foot steps of Jesus. He is a perfect example of godly character; humble, obedient, righteous and loving.
Romans 5:3–4 “We rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope.” This scripture reveals to us that God also uses troubles of life to shape our character to make us spiritually mature.
Galatians 5:22–23 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” This verse underscores that godly character is a sign of a Spirit filled life. This means that when we reflect godly characters, it shows that we have the Holy Spirit in us.
Titus 2:7–8 “In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned.” Character is not only shown through words or declaration alone, but also through actions, habits and consistency.
As Christians, it is important we know that our character and lifestyle is like a mirror that reflects who we truly are. It is an open evangelism to the lost. So, let us always live right, not just through our words, but also through our actions. Below are are powerful Bible verses that teaches about character;
Bible Verses About Character
- Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out. – Proverbs 10:9
- But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. – Galatians 5:22-23
- As water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects the heart. – Proverbs 27:19
- Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. – 1 Timothy 4:12
- Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. – Colossians 3:23-24
- A person may think their own ways are right, but the Lord weighs the heart. – Proverbs 21:2
- Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. – Philippians 4:8
- Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. – James 1:12
- Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. – Romans 5:4
- For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. – 2 Peter 1:5-7
- In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned. – Titus 2:7
- The integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them. – Proverbs 11:3
- Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. – Proverbs 4:23
- As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. – Ephesians 4:1
- In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. – Matthew 5:16
- The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy. – Proverbs 12:22
- The one whose walk is blameless, who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from their heart. – Psalm 15:2
- Keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. – 1 Peter 3:16
- A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. – Luke 6:45
- The lips of the righteous know what finds favor, but the mouth of the wicked only what is perverse. – Proverbs 10:32
- He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. – Micah 6:8
- Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you. – Hebrews 13:5
- Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly. – Proverbs 14:29
- But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. – James 3:17
- Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character. – 1 Corinthians 15:33
- Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel. – Philippians 1:27
- The mouths of the righteous utter wisdom, and their tongues speak what is just. – Psalm 37:30
- Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. – Romans 12:2
- Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! – 2 Corinthians 5:17
- I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. – Psalm 119:11
