Much emphasis is placed on superficial appearances and life style even among Christians. God warned Samuel about this in selecting a king for Israel. He said, "Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature... for man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart" (1 Samuel 16:7).

God desires that true Christians develop godly character - the character of Christ. Once a person accepts Christ as his or her Lord and Savior, that person should have a compelling desire to be like Christ. To become like Him means you need to know Him. The following characteristics are provided to help you learn biblical, godly, Christ-like qualities.

Agreeableness

Finding a biblical decision, solution, or proposal acceptable enough that I can support and others would not oppose.
"Can two walk together, except they be agreed?" (Amos 3:3)

Alertness

Using my physical and spiritual senses to recognize and respond to dangers biblically.
"Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary, the devil, like a roaring lion walketh about, seeking whom he may devour." (1 Peter 5:8)

Appreciation

Giving God and others genuine compliments for their importance and value to me.
"...Take delight in honoring each other." (Romans 12:10 NLT)

Attentiveness

Acknowledging the worth of a person by giving total concentration to his words.
"...We must listen very carefully to the truth we have heard, or we may drift away from it." (Hebrews 2:1 NLT)

Availability

Making my own schedule and priorities secondary to the wishes of those I am serving.
"...Immediately we endeavored to go into Macedonia." (Acts 16:10)

Boldness

Speaking the truth and doing the right thing regardless of the consequences.
"We may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me." (Hebrews 13:6)

Cautiousness

Knowing how important right timing is in accomplishing right actions.
"Zeal without knowledge is not good; a person who moves too quickly may go the wrong way." (Proverbs 19:2 NLT)

Christian Character

Reflecting the qualities and traits of Christ in my life.
"...Be conformed to the image of [God's] Son." (Romans 8:29)

Commitment

Pledging to guard and fulfill that which has been entrusted to me.
"Guard that which is committed to thy trust." (1 Timothy 6:20)

Communication

The process of conveying my thoughts, attitudes and actions to another in a manner that reflects Christ.
"Be an example to all believers in what you teach, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity." (1 Timothy 4:12 NLT).

Compassion

The feelings aroused by the distress or misfortune of others that moves me to meet their needs.
"And Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth his hand, and touched him."(Mark 1:41)

Convictions

Purposing to follow the commands of Scripture, whatever the cost.
"Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself." (Daniel 1:8)

Confidence

Relying on the Lord to enable me in every area of my life.
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:13)

Counsel

Helping a friend to apply the ways of God in a difficult situation.
"The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense." (Proverbs 27:9 NLT)

Courage

The ability to act on the knowledge that He who is in me is greater then he who is against me.
"Ye are of God... and have overcome them, because greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world." (1 John 4:4)

Creativity

Approaching a need, a task, or an idea from a new perspective.
"Intelligent people are always open to new ideas. In fact, they look for them." (Proverbs 18:15 NLT)

Decisiveness

The ability to finalize difficult decisions based on the truths of God's Word.
"I have chosen the way of truth; thine ordinances have I laid before me." (Psalms 119:30)

Deference

Limiting my freedom so I do not offend the tastes of others.
"It is not good to eat meat or to drink wine, or to do anything by which your brother stumbles." (Romans 14:21)

Dependability

Completing a commitment even if it means personal sacrifice.
"Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful." (1 Corinthians 4:2)

Determination

Purposing to accomplish God's goals in God's time regardless of the opposition.
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness." (2 Timothy 4:7,8)

Diligence

Using all my energies to complete tasks as a special assignment from the Lord.
"Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men." (Colossians 3:23 NLT)

Discernment

The ability to see people and situations the way they really are, not merely as they appear to be.
"The LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart." (1 Samuel 16:7 ESV)

Discipline

Maintaining an ordered and controlled life through godly training, regardless of how I feel.
"Exercise thyself unto godliness." (1 Timothy 4:7)

Discretion

Avoiding words, actions, and attitudes which could result in undesirable consequences.
"A prudent person foresees the danger ahead and takes precautions; the simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences." (Proverbs 22:3 NLT)

Encouragement

Helping others to see a difficult situation from God's point of view.
"I weep with grief; encourage me by your Word." (Psalm 119:28 NLT)

Endurance

The inward strength to withstand stress to accomplish God's best.
"And let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we shall reap if we do not grow weary." (Galatians 6:9)

Enthusiasm

Allowing God's energy to be expressed through my mind, will, and emotions.
"And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men." (Colossians 3:23)

Fairness

Seeking to look at a decision from the viewpoint of each person involved.
"And just as you want men to treat you, teat them in the same way" (Luke 6:31)

Faith

Recognizing God's will in a given situation and acting in harmony with it.
"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." (Hebrews 11:1)

Fearless

Demonstrating courage and a resolute trust in God while facing difficulty or danger.
"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." (2 Timothy 1:7)

Flexibility

Not setting my affections on plans or ideas which may be changed by others.
"Set your mind on things above, not on the things that are on earth." (Colossians 3:2)

Fellowship

Being with those who have the same beliefs and are going in the same direction.
"If we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another." (1 John 1:7)

Forgiveness

Healing others by using their offenses as a means of expressing to them Christ's love.
"Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you." (Ephesians 4:32)

Friendship

My commitment to the development of another's character on a personal level.
"As iron sharpens iron, a friend sharpens a friend." (Proverbs 27:17)

Generosity

Recognizing that all I have belongs to God and using it for His purposes.
"...Freely ye have received, freely give." (Matthew 10:8)

Gentleness

Showing a tender heart and personal care in meeting the needs of others.
"We proved to be gentle among you, as a nursing mother tenderly cares for her own children." (1 Thessalonians 2:7)

Gratefulness

Always making known to God and others how they benefit my life.
"What makes you better than anyone else? What do you have that God hasn't given you? And if all you have is from God, why boast as though you have accomplished something on your own?" (1 Corinthians 4:7)

Honor

Expressing humility and devotion by giving tribute to God-given authority.
"Honor all [people]. Love the brotherhood" (1 Peter 2:17). "Let each esteem others better than themselves." (Philippians 2:3)

Hope

The confident expectation of the fulfillment of God's promises.
"If we look forward to something we don't have yet, we must wait patiently and confidently." (Romans 8:25 NLT)

Hospitality

Eagerly sharing my family, home, finances, food, and spiritual refreshment with those God brings into my life.
"Eagerly pursue hospitality." (Romans 12:13)

Humility

Having an attitude of lowliness that elevates God and submits to His Word. "He [Jesus Christ] must increase, but I must decrease." (John 3:30)

Initiative

Recognizing and doing what needs to be done before being asked to do it.
"Ye Philippians know also that... no church shared with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only." (Philippians 4:15)

Joyfulness

The outward expression of my inward being that results from a genuine harmony with God and others.
"A joyful heart makes a cheerful face, but when the heart is sad, the spirit is broken." (Proverbs 15:13)

Kindness

Exhibiting a pleasant spirit and moral goodness.
"Be ye kind to one another...." (Ephesians 4:32)

Long-suffering

Accepting daily pressures from others because of my love for them and for the Lord.
"Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." (Galatians 6:2)

Love

Taking the initiative to meet the needs of others without expecting anything in return.
"If I... do not have love, it profits me nothing." (1 Corinthians 13:3)

Loyalty

Remaining committed to those whom God has called me to serve even in times of adversity.
"A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need." (Proverbs 17:17)

Meekness

Yielding my personal rights and expectations to God.
"My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him." (Psalms 62:5)

Obedience

Willfully fulfilling the directions of my authorities in order to make them successful.
"...Take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ." (2 Corinthians 10:5)

Observant

Being watchful, giving keen attention to particulars, and adhering to details that please God.
"Be watchful in all things... fulfill your ministry." (2 Timothy 4:15 NJKV)

Orderliness

Preparing myself and my surroundings so that I will achieve the greatest efficiency for the Lord.
"But let all things be done properly and in an orderly manner." (1 Corinthians 14:40)

Patience

Accepting a difficult situation from God without giving Him a deadline to remove it.
"Be glad for all God is planning for you. Be patient in trouble, and always be prayerful." (Romans 12:12 NLT)

Peaceableness

Allowing the inward tranquility that results from our harmonious relationship with God to control our heart and mind.
"Let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts." (Colossians 3:15 NLT)

Peacemaker

One who has made peace with God, leads others to make peace with God, and endeavors to maintain peace with others.
"Blessed are the peacemakers; for they shall be called the sons of God." (Matthew 5:9)

Persuasiveness

Urging others by using God's Word to change their thinking and conform to His viewpoint.
"Gently teach those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change their hearts, and they will believe." (2 Timothy 2:25 NLT)

Priorities

Choosing preference to those things which God values more important than anything else.
"Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness." (Matthew 6:33)

Provider

One who is resourceful, prudent, thrifty, and constantly ensures the best use of all available resources.
Joseph said to his brothers concerning the famine, "Do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones." (Genesis 50:21 NASB)

Prudence

Having sufficient information to exercise sound judgment to avoid error and danger.
"The mind of the prudent acquires knowledge... [he] foresees danger and takes refuge." (Proverbs 13:6; 22:3)

Purpose In Life

Investing the treasure of time into that which will bring eternal results.
"...I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain..." (John 15:16)

Responsibility

Knowing and doing what both God and others are expecting from me.
"So then each one of us shall give account of himself to God." (Romans 14:12)

Reverent Spirit

Recognizing and respecting a person because of their position and authority regardless of their personality.
"Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake." (1 Peter 2:13-14)

Security

Structuring my life around what is eternal and cannot be destroyed or taken away.
"Do not work for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to eternal life." (John 6:27)

Self-Acceptance

Accepting the unchangeable features in me which God has made in order for the character of Christ to be developed in me.
"... [God's] strength is made perfect in weakness." (2 Corinthians 12:9-10)

Selflessness

Giving oneself to others, as Christ gave himself, without regard to self-interest.
"[Jesus Christ] gave himself for us." (Titus 2:14)

Sensitivity

Exercising my senses so that I can perceive and respond to the true spirit and emotions of those around me.
"Rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep." (Romans 12:15)

Servant-Leader

Selflessly serving others by influencing, equipping, and empowering them to accomplish God's goals.
"The leader should be like a servant." (Luke 22:26 NLT)

Sincerity

Eagerly saying and doing what is right with transparent motives.
"Have sincere love for one another... intensely with all your heart." (1 Peter 1:22)

Success

Knowing God will commend me for my faithfulness to Him and His Word.
"Well done, thou good and faithful servant...." (Matthew 25:21)

Suffering

The pain that is required for God to conform me to the image of His Son and demonstrate His grace.
"Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind." (1 Peter 4:1)

Thoroughness

Being attentive to detail, careful, accurate, and complete.
The Berean Jews "received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so." (Acts 17:11).

Thriftiness

Not letting myself spend that which is not necessary.
"If you are untrustworthy about worldly wealth, who will trust you with the true riches of heaven?" (Luke 16:11).

Time

An earthly trust which, if invested wisely, will produce eternal treasures.
"Teach us to make the most of our time, so that we may grow in wisdom." (Psalm 90:12 NLT)

Tolerance

Making allowing for one's immaturity without compromising truth.
"Love is patient; love is kind... finds no joy in unrighteousness, but rejoices in the truth." (1 Corinthians 13:4-6 HCSB)

Truthfulness

Earning future trust by accurately reporting past facts.
"Therefore, laying aside falsehood, speak truth, each one of you, with his neighbor, for we are members of one another." (Ephesians 4:25)

Virtue

The moral excellence and Godly influence of my life that reflects God's holy standards.
"... Applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence." (2 Peter 1:5 NASV)

Visionary

One who is committed to growth, looking beyond problems to causes, and developing precise solutions for success.
"See the distress that we are in, how Jerusalem lieth waste, and it's gates are burned with fire; come, and let us build up the wall of Jerusalem, that we be no more a reproach." (Nehemiah 2:17).

Wisdom

Desiring the knowledge of God and properly applying it to life.
"Oh, how I love your law! I think about it all day long. Your commands make me wiser than my enemies, for your commands are my constant guide." (Psalm 119:97-98)