
How Embracing God’s Qualities Can Change Your Life
Let’s face it—life is full of choices, and figuring out the “right” way to live can sometimes feel overwhelming. If you’ve ever wondered what it means to have a godly character or how you can live a life that truly pleases God, you’re not alone. The good news? Building a godly character isn’t about being perfect or following a bunch of complicated rules. It’s about reflecting God’s heart through our everyday actions, attitudes, and relationships.
What Is Godly Character?
Think of godly character as trying to mirror the core qualities of God—like love, kindness, honesty, humility, forgiveness, and doing what’s right. It’s not just about what you do when others are watching, but about who you are at your core, even when nobody else sees. Jesus showed us what this looks like, and the Bible is full of examples and practical advice to help us along the way.
The Building Blocks of Godly Character
· Unselfishness and Love: At the center of godly character is putting others first and showing real love. This could be as simple as listening to a friend, sharing what you have, or being kind when you don’t have to be. The Bible reminds us to “value others above yourselves” (Philippians 2:3-5) and to let our love be patient and kind (1 Corinthians 13:4-7).
· Righteousness and Justice: Having godly character means standing up for what’s right. It’s about making good choices and also speaking out against things that are wrong—like unfairness or injustice. The Bible says, “Seek good, not evil… Hate evil, love good; maintain justice” (Amos 5:14-15). Whether it’s making fair decisions at work or supporting those who are struggling, our actions make a difference.
· Humility and Meekness: Humility is all about knowing that we rely on God, not on ourselves. It’s recognizing that all our talents and successes are gifts from Him. Instead of being proud or boastful, we “clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience” (Colossians 3:12). Meekness isn’t weakness—it’s being strong enough to stay calm and kind even when things get tough.
· Forgiveness: We all mess up, and so do the people around us. That’s why forgiveness is essential. When we forgive, we let go of grudges and open our hearts to healing, just as God forgives us (Colossians 3:13). Forgiveness doesn’t mean ignoring hurtful actions, but choosing to move forward with grace.
· Holiness and Perseverance: Living a holy life means setting ourselves apart for God’s purposes—not by avoiding everyone and everything, but by letting God’s values shape our daily choices. The journey isn’t always easy, but tough times help us grow stronger. As Romans 5:3-5 explains, “Suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.”
Why Does Godly Character Matter?
When you develop godly character, you’re not just ticking off a spiritual checklist—you’re growing into the kind of person who makes the world a better place. Godly character shapes how you treat people, how you handle challenges, and how you find purpose in life. It’s about living in a way that shows God’s love, even in small, everyday moments.
The Role of Challenges and Suffering
Let’s be honest: life isn’t always smooth sailing. But the Bible teaches that even our struggles have a purpose. Hard times can actually help us grow, teaching us patience, resilience, and a deeper trust in God. When we come through difficulties, we’re often more compassionate and ready to help others who are hurting.
How Can You Grow in Godly Character?
– Start with small steps. Show kindness wherever you can—whether it’s a smile, a helping hand, or a listening ear.
– Learn from the Bible. Take time to read and reflect on stories and teachings about Jesus. His life is the perfect example of godly character in action.
– Pray for guidance. Ask God for help in growing more loving, patient, and forgiving.
– Surround yourself with others who are growing too. Encourage each other to keep going, even when it’s tough.
– Be patient with yourself. Godly character isn’t built overnight. It’s a lifelong journey, and every step counts.
Conclusion: Living Out Godly Character
Cultivating godly character is about letting God’s love shape who you are from the inside out. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about showing unselfishness, doing what’s right, staying humble, forgiving freely, and persevering through challenges. As you walk this path, you’ll find deeper peace, stronger relationships, and a greater sense of purpose.
Let’s keep growing together—one step, one choice, and one act of love at a time.
Minister A Francine Green I July 2025