As we strive to grow in our faith, it is important to cultivate godly character traits in our children (and ourselves) that reflect the heart of Christ. As Christians, we are called to be people of good character. Our character is the sum of our habits, attitudes, and behaviors that shape who we are. It is the outward expression of the inner workings of our hearts. But as a parent, it can feel overwhelming to figure out how to teach Godly character to our kids.
Why is godly character important?
Godly character is essential because it reflects the qualities of God and helps our children to become responsible, respectful, and compassionate as they grow to be young adults.
When we model godly character, we teach our children to love God and others. They learn to be honest, truthful, and have integrity. They will treat others with kindness and forgiveness. These are all skills that will serve them throughout their lives, and we need to start them young to develop Godly character. Developing Godly character also helps our children to navigate the challenges and temptations of life with wisdom, discernment, and self-control. By instilling these values in your children, you will prepare them to be leaders in their communities and to make a positive impact in the world. Ultimately, developing godly character helps our children to become the best version of themselves and to fulfill their God-given purpose in life.
Can character be developed?
In my years writing here on the Character Corner, many moms have asked how to develop Godly character traits in their children. It’s been my passion to teach these principles to Moms and hear the stories of how God is working in their families as they see these traits develop! Below you will find a list of character traits to help you process as you come up with a plan. You can also download this character traits PDF plus 2 other character charts here for FREE!
Big List of 48 Godly Character Traits You Should Develop
The following list of 48 traits mentioned is not exhaustive, but it is a good starting point for anyone looking to develop their child’s character. Each of these traits has a corresponding reference from the Bible, which shows that character development is an important aspect of the Christian faith.
What are some examples of godly character traits?
The list of character traits I’ve listed below are based on scripture. You might find yourself asking, “What does the Bible say about character development?” I’ll just say… a lot! Because of this, I’ve compiled a list of 48 godly character traits, and there are still more within the pages of God’s Word!
Here is a big list of 48 godly character traits with their descriptions and references to help you develop Godly character in your kids:
Alertness: Knowing what is going on around me (II Timothy 4:5a)
Attentiveness: Listening with the eyes, ears and heart (Proverbs 4:20-21)
Carefulness: Taking one step at a time to do a job right (Ephesians 5:15)
Contentment: Being happy with what I have (I Tim. 6:6)
Courage: Meeting opposition with confidence (Joshua 1:7a)
Courtesy: Using respectful words and ways with others (I Peter 3:8)
Creativity: Doing something in a new way (Genesis 1:31a)
Decisiveness: Being able to make up my mind (Joshua 24:15)
Diligence: Working hard to accomplish a task (Proverbs 22:29)
Discernment: Able to see things as they really are (Hebrews 5:14)
Eagerness: Being excited about doing a task (Jude 3b)
Encouragement: Bringing hope and cheer to others (I Thess. 5:14)
Fairness: Treating others equally (I Tim. 5:21b)
Faith: Believing God will do what He says (Hebrews 11:1)
Flexibility: Willing to change my plans with a good spirit (Phil. 4:12)
Forgiveness: Treating someone as though he never hurt me (Colossians 3:13)
Friendliness: Eager to share myself with others (Proverbs 18:24)
Generosity: Sharing what I have (II Cor. 9:7)
Genuineness: Living the way our heart feels towards God (Joshua 24:14)
Helpfulness: Being ready to serve at any time (Isaiah 41:6)
Want a FREE printable list of these 48 character traits? Click Here
Honesty: Using truthful words and ways (Ephesians 4:25)
Honor: Showing deep respect for others (Hebrews 12:9)
Hope: Having quiet confidence in God’s future for me (Psalm 16:9)
Humility: Not taking credit for what God and others have done (Proverbs 16:9)
Initiative: Making the first move without being asked (Proverbs 6:6-8)
Joyfulness: Being happy inside and out (Psalm 35:9)
Kindness: Using tender and gentle words and ways (Ephesians 4:32)
Love: Meeting another’s need unselfishly (John 15:12)
Loyalty: Supporting someone even when the going gets tough (Hebrews 3:14)
Meekness: Having patience without anger (Titus 3:2)
Obedience: Doing what I am told with a happy, submissive spirit (Hebrews 13:17)
Openness: Willingness to listen and learn from others (Proverbs 12:15)
Optimism: Choosing to see the good in situations and people (Philippians 4:8)
Perseverance: Not giving up in the face of challenges (Hebrews 12:1-3)
Punctuality: Being on time and respecting others’ time (Proverbs 22:29)
Purposefulness: Living intentionally and with direction (Proverbs 19:21)
Respectfulness: Treating others with honor and dignity (1 Peter 2:17)
Reverence: Showing deep respect and awe for God (Psalm 111:10)
Selflessness: Putting the needs of others before my own (Philippians 2:3-4)
Sensitivity: Being aware of and responsive to the needs of others (Galatians 6:2)
Servanthood: Having a heart to serve others (Mark 10:45)
Sincerity: Speaking and acting truthfully (Ephesians 4:15)
Teachability: Willingness to learn and grow (Proverbs 9:9)
Thankfulness: Being grateful and expressing gratitude (Colossians 3:15)
Trustworthiness: Being honest and dependable (Proverbs 11:3)
Unity: Working together in harmony (Ephesians 4:3)
Vision: Seeing the big picture and working towards it (Proverbs 29:18)
Zeal: Passionate pursuit of God’s purposes (Romans 12:11)
Where do I begin teaching Godly Character?
This is one of the most common questions I am asked! I often tell moms to begin with obedience. One of the most important character traits for Christians is obedience. This involves doing what we are told with a happy, submissive spirit (Hebrews 13:17). It’s true obedience is not always easy, but it is essential if we want to live a life that pleases God.
How can I improve my character as a Christian?
Improving your own character as a Christian is an ongoing process that requires self-reflection, dedication, and a willingness to grow. And you need to constantly refine and reflect on your own display of Godly character so you can be a model to your children.
By regularly reading and studying God’s Word, praying, attending church, and seeking guidance from spiritual mentors, you can deepen your relationship with God and develop a stronger sense of morality and integrity.
Just remember, no one is perfect and we all make mistakes. However, by consistently striving to live according to God’s teachings and treating others with kindness and compassion, you can continue to improve your own character and show your children how to live a life of Godly Character.
Want a FREE printable list of these 48 character traits?
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