People who belong to Jesus are not simply people with a particular set of beliefs, practices and morality. They are people who are characterized by the character, actions, and promises of God and their commitment to Jesus. Therefore, they should display certain character qualities. These are not complete; they are always works in progress in believers. Christian character should include the following qualities – at least in development:
Click on the headings below to find out more about these topics
Faith
Christians are people of conviction, holding firmly to the faith that has been passed down to them and the way of life it entails.
Hope
Christians live with confidence in God’s ability and promise to renew and restore. God will renew people and restore the world. He will do this in the present, and if not, in the future age.
Love
Christians are people who love others, as God in Christ has loved them. As Jesus said, the most important commandments are to love God with everything they have, and to love others as they would love themselves (Matthew 23:36–40).
Holiness
Christians belong to Christ before they belong to anyone or anything else. This means they are characterized by God’s values and separated from many of the habits and practices of the people they live amongst. This demonstrates the transformative encounter they have had which brought them to Christ in the first place. Like all the other marks of Christian character, this is always a work in progress!
Joy
Christians are characterized by a happiness and positive outlook that is grounded in God rather than in circumstances. This does not negate the sadness or distress caused by difficult life circumstances, but displaces feelings of hopelessness or despair.
Faithfulness
God’s commitment to his people is a motivation for his people to be people of integrity who are faithful to everything and everyone they are committed to.
Gentleness
Christians should not be characterized by pride, but by humility. This means Christians should not be known by an overbearing demeanor but by one which is willing to serve others and be patient with them.
Courage
Christians live their lives for the Lord, and so can be bold serving him. They are confident because God is pleased with their service and promises to be with them regardless of the outcome.
Forgiving
Christians are expected to forgive others as God in Christ has forgiven them.
Contentment
Christians find their satisfaction in life in God rather than in the things in life that they achieve, acquire, or experience.
Generosity
Because they are content in God and mindful of God’s generosity to them, mature Christian character is marked by sharing what they have with others who are in need.
Fairness
Christians are committed to justice and fairness because they believe that God is a righteous Judge who will punish evil and injustice.
Peace
Christians are called to be people who aim to make peace between others.
Reverence
Christians relate to God with reverence. They do not treat God or the things of God casually or flippantly, but in high respect.
Self-Control
Mature Christian character is marked by self-control, rather than giving over themselves to the influence of emotional instability or substance abuse.
Further Reading: