Seven essential Godly character qualities

The goal of learning should be to develop Godly character. There are three major reasons why we must learn character. First it reveals the nature of Christ who is the perfect fulfillment of each quality. Second, it is the basis for success in life. Third, it explains why things happen to us (principle of cause and effect).  The number seven in the bible refers to spiritual perfection. The following are seven essential Godly character qualities for us to practice.  

Attentiveness:  Attentiveness is giving your attention to what you value. Attentive people are aware of that which is taking place around them so they can have the right response to them. Attentiveness is considerate, polite, and mindful of others.  A person who is attentive is alert and fully aware, quick to understand, watchful and ready to act. “If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task. Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money” (1 Timothy 3:1-3). People who are involved in personal growth are maturing, and strengthening their own character capacities. God wants us to develop character and He uses difficult people or situations to bring about lessons of character development.

Obedience: Even though we do not fully understand God’s ways, we are to surrender our lives in obedience to Him. Obedience requires availability, not self-centeredness. God is more interested in our availability than our ability. Godly character places values ahead of feelings. It is doing things for the sake of we, instead of it being all about self. “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 1: 11-14).  Godly character has a transcendence cause: seeing the bigger picture and a larger reality than your own.   

Truthfulness: Truth is real, genuine and authentic. Truthful people adjust themselves to actual facts and reality. “Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment” (Proverbs 12:19). “Let your yes mean yes, and your no mean no.” Godly character is being that who you really are with different people, in different circumstances. Its concern is the motive of the heart, instead of reputation and popularity. Truthful people are honorable in principles and intentions. Their actions are fair, sincere, bold, and honest. “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). 

Thankfulness:  Gratefulness and appreciation is an expression of thankfulness, that comes from the heart. A thankful heart takes great delight and pleasure in his gift or reward. Thankfulness is much more than an emotion; it requires action. To start, the very least one must verbally express appreciation. To take it up a notch, one would give a hand written note. Better yet is sending a gift or doing something in return. We are thankful for our blessings so we joyfully serve and give to others. God knows we are thankful through enthusiastic worship and a humble, cheerful attitude. “Let the hearts of those who seek the Lord, rejoice” (1Chr 16:10). Worshiping and serving God, and giving to others, touches the heart of God and releases power into your life. Thankfulness follows contentment. A person who is content is satisfied with whatever they have. Be thankful for favor and blessings God has given you instead of focusing on what you don’t have. Have an attitude of gratitude.

Patience: Patience has the ability to be quiet, steady, diligent, and persevere when in difficult circumstances. Patient people are able and willing to endure annoyances, mistakes, and even pain and suffering. Patience is gentleness, persistency, and flexibility.  “Love is patient, love is kind” (1 Corinthians 13:4). Godly character comes from cultivating daily habits. The result of those habits is evidence in your character. “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” (Galatians 5:22).

Loyalty: Loyalty is determined, supports and serves a purpose or cause. Loyalty is being a faithful and devoted to a person, group, or place (friend, family, church or country). A person who incorporates loyalty into his character is reliable, dependable and dedicated. Even when the odds are against them, loyalty is courageous and endures. David said to God: “I know, my God, that you test the heart and are pleased with integrity” (1 Chronicles 29:17). 

Wisdom: Wisdom is having the ability to discern and judge properly as to what is true and correct. Hating evil is the beginning of wisdom. “To fear the Lord is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech” (Proverbs 8:13). Wisdom is righteous and just: those who seek justice seek what is right and fair. Wisdom enlightens and illuminates. Wisdom shows the way, guides and directs. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow His precepts have good understanding”. The wise are discreet (tactful) and prudent (careful, cautious), in what they say and do. “I wisdom, dwell together with prudence; I possess knowledge and discretion” (Proverbs 8:11). Knowledge and understanding come from seeking wisdom. “Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. Esteem her, and she will exalt you; embrace her, and she will honor you” (Proverbs 4:7-8).

Godly character is the result of being excellent in all that you say and do. “But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first pure, then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness” (James 3:17-18).  Everything in life is a result of your character. Expect to have problems and fix them: don’t fix the symptoms. ”The man of integrity walks securely, but he who takes crooked paths will be found out” (Proverbs 10:9). When we do not learn character lessons early in life, they will be repeated later on in life.