Building Good Character

Has anyone ever told you what your character is like? Or have you ever taken a moment to reflect on it yourself?

Unfortunately, many people today have charisma but lack character.

While gifts and talents can open doors, only character can keep them open.

As Christians, our greatest goal is to grow daily into the likeness of Jesus Christ.

This growth isn’t just crucial for our salvation, but it also equips us to make a real difference in the world.

By building good character, we become better prepared to serve, lead, and inspire others in ways that truly matter.

Why is it so hard to stay true to good character?

Staying good all the time isn’t easy—believe me, I know.

It’s even harder when a classmate, sibling, colleague, neighbor, or spouse constantly tests your patience.

Frustration builds, and before you know it, you’re on the verge of an outburst.

But in those moments, what keeps me in check is reminding myself that character isn’t just about how I feel.

It is shaped by the values I’ve internalized.

These values guide my words, actions, and attitudes.

I may not control how others behave, but I do control how I respond.

At its core, both conflict and success in life and relationships stem from character.

And building good character requires intentionality and a strong desire to grow.

Why should I desire to build character?

Is it the need for applause, the approval of others, or even an attempt to earn salvation? It shouldn’t be.

Instead, our motivation should come from a desire to stay connected to Jesus.

In John 15:1 and 4, Jesus reminds us of the importance of abiding in Him.

Christian character isn’t something we build on our own. It is the work of the Holy Spirit within us.

As Galatians 5:22-23 states:

But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Here there is no conflict with the law.

Galatians 5:22-23

Yet, how do we live it out in our daily lives?

It all begins with these foundational virtues:

Love

If you want to grow in character, you must first understand, embrace, and embody true love.

Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. Love does not demand its own way.

Love is not irritable, and it keeps no record of when it has been wronged.

It is never glad about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out.

Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.

1 Corinthians 13:4-7

This passage defines love as patient, kind, and selfless—qualities that reflect Christ in action.

True love isn’t just a feeling; it’s a commitment to seeking the best for others, even when it’s difficult.

It is pure, selfless, and sacrificial, extending even to those who may be difficult to love.

Jesus commands us to love not just in words, but through service, compassion, and sacrifice.

We are called to support one another, bear each other’s burdens, and, if necessary, lay down our lives.

At the heart of building good character is love.

Without it, growth is impossible.

Joy

Do you always carry bitterness and anger, or do people feel at ease around you? Does your presence bring peace or tension?

You cannot reflect Christ if joy is missing from your life.

Joy is more than happiness. It is a deep, abiding sense of peace and gratitude, even in difficult times.

It isn’t dependent on circumstances but is a supernatural gift from the Holy Spirit.

Without God’s Spirit, discouragement and heaviness take over. But He alone can lift your heart and fill you with joy.

So as you pray each day, ask the Lord to cultivate this fruit of the Spirit in you.

Let His joy fill your heart, overflow into your life, and uplift those around you.

And Nehemiah continued, “Go and celebrate with a feast of choice foods and sweet drinks, and share gifts of food with people who have nothing prepared. This is a sacred day before our Lord. Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength!”

Nehemiah 8:10

Peace

Have you ever felt like peace was completely out of reach?

If so, you know how unsettling and exhausting it can be.

The importance of peace in every area of life cannot be ignored.

And nothing compares to the peace that comes from God. It is an unshakable inner calm—a stillness that remains even in the midst of chaos.

The Bible describes this divine peace as beyond human understanding.

Living in peace isn’t just about avoiding conflict; it’s about cultivating harmony within yourself and with others.

When you walk in peace, you extend it to those around you, whether family, friends, or even those who test your patience.

It’s a gift, and trust me, it’s pure bliss.

In building good character, choose peace.

Avoid gossip, refuse to complain, and resist the urge to involve yourself in unnecessary conflicts.

Instead, let your words and actions reflect God’s peace.

Patience

Patience is one of the hardest virtues to develop.

As humans, we naturally want things to happen on our terms and in our timing.

Waiting can be frustrating, but patience is possible.

The Holy Spirit has an endless supply of patience to fill our hearts, especially in moments when we need it most.

When you’re stuck in traffic, when your children won’t listen, or when you’re waiting for God to bring the right person into your life—He is using those moments to refine your patience.

Every delay, every challenge, and every waiting season is an opportunity for growth.

The more we cultivate patience, the more we reflect God’s nature.

He is endlessly patient with our weaknesses, failures, and sins.

Instead of giving us what we deserve, He gently calls us back, reminding us of His love.

Because God is patient with us, we must also be patient with ourselves, with others, and with His timing.

So, when you pray, ask the Holy Spirit to strengthen your patience. To help you wait when God says wait, and to extend grace to those around you.

We can do this!

Knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

James 1:3-4

Kindness

There’s something I always tell my friends: nothing in this world beats a kind heart.

So, are you warm, inviting, and considerate both to yourself and others?

Kindness is more than just a pleasant attitude; it’s an intentional act of love and thoughtfulness.

It’s closely tied to gentleness, which we’ll discuss shortly.

Even in heated arguments and difficult situations, kindness has the power to calm, heal, and restore.

Love flows through kindness, and without it, forgiveness is impossible.

Sadly, unkindness is becoming more common, with people treating each other harshly.

Yet, God saved us because He is infinitely kind. He sent His Son to die in our place so we could be forgiven.

If He has shown us such mercy, shouldn’t we extend the same to others?

Kindness isn’t optional. It is a reflection of true character.

If kindness is missing, something deeper is lacking.

Choose to reflect God’s kindness in all you do.

Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

Ephesians 4:32

Goodness

Goodness goes beyond simply being a good person. It’s about actively seeking to do good for others.

God is abundantly, overwhelmingly good.

He constantly pours out His goodness upon us, and His mercy follows us every day.

In the same way, we are called to extend that goodness to those around us.

Doing good means looking for ways to bless others, care for them, and bring positive change into their lives.

The Bible reminds us that it is more blessed to give than to receive.

When the Holy Spirit cultivates goodness in us, generosity becomes second nature, and in giving, we find true joy.

This generosity isn’t just about money—it includes our time, resources, and even simple acts of kindness.

A life marked by goodness is a life that reflects God’s heart.

Let’s seek to do good at every opportunity, for it is a key part of building good character.

Whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone, especially to our Christian brothers and sisters.

Galatians 6:10

Faithfulness

What does it mean to be faithful? It means being reliable, trustworthy, and steadfast.

For us Christians, faithfulness is more than just belief. It is a life of consistent obedience and submission to God and His Word.

It requires commitment, endurance, and loyalty.

Without these qualities, we cannot truly be faithful to God, let alone to others.

Faithfulness is a reflection of our deep love for God and people.

When we remain faithful, we demonstrate that we value our relationships and are committed to honoring them with integrity.

Few things in life are as precious as true faithfulness.

And just as God is always faithful, we too must strive to be faithful. (Psalm 33:4)

For the word of the Lord is right; and all His work is done in faithfulness.

Psalms 33:4

Gentleness

Many people overlook the power of gentleness.

Society often equates strength with being loud, brash, or forceful, but God’s ways are different.

Gentleness is strength under control.

It’s choosing to be tender in both our touch and tone, treating others with care and intentional kindness.

God Himself is gentle with us. When we are brokenhearted, He doesn’t demand that we toughen up—He comforts us.

When we sin, He doesn’t harshly condemn us but gently convicts us, leading us back to Him.

If God, in all His power, is gentle with us, shouldn’t we be the same with others?

Building good character means learning to reflect His gentleness in all we do.

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but harsh words stir up anger.

Proverbs 15:1

Self-control

Oh my! This one is tough. Self-control is never easy, but it’s essential.

To be self-controlled means having mastery over our thoughts and actions.

It is the ability to say “Yes” to what is right and “No” to what is wrong, even when it’s difficult.

Building character requires discipline.

We must learn to control our tongues, guard our thoughts, and act wisely.

Without self-control, even the best intentions can lead to harm.

Though challenging, self-control is both possible and necessary in every area of life.

Remember, those who are led by the Spirit are called the sons of God (Romans 8:14).

Let’s strive to live with restraint and wisdom.

A person without self-control is as defenseless as a city with broken-down walls.

Proverbs 25:28

Live an Excellent Life

As Christians, God calls us to a higher standard—not to impress others, but to glorify Him.

Living with excellence means doing what is right, even when no one is watching. It’s not about being perfect but about consistently giving our best in everything we do.

Jesus said,

Unless you are faithful in small matters, you won’t be faithful in large ones. If you cheat even a little, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities.

Luke 16:10

If you’re waiting for something big to happen in your life, start by being faithful in the small things.

We all desire progress, but while trusting God to shape our careers and reputations, the greatest investment we can make is in our character.

When God sees He can trust us in the little things, there’s no limit to what He can do through us.

Keep living like Christ here on earth.

Maranatha!