Grace Evangelical Free Church
Issues & Answers: 49 Spirit-Filled Character Qualities
1. Alertness vs. unawareness
Being aware of the physical and spiritual events taking place around me so that I can have the right responses to them. “Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong” (1 Corinthians 16:13)
2. Attentiveness vs. unconcern
If we are focused on Christ, then He has our attention; we are concentrating on Him and His word; He occupies the forefront of our minds. Such a focus is only fitting, because Jesus “is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy” (Colossians 1:18).
3. Availability vs. self-centeredness
Adjusting my personal life around the needs of those whom I am serving. “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen” (1 Peter 4:10–11)
4. Boldness vs. fearfulness
Confidence that what I have to say or do is true and right and just in the sight of God. “And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness,” (Acts 4:29)
5. Cautiousness vs. rashness
Knowing how important right timing is in accomplishing right actions. “Even zeal is not good without knowledge, and the one who acts hastily sins.” (Proverbs 19:2)
6. Compassion vs. indifference
Investing to heal the hurts of others. “But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him?” (1 John 3:17)
7. Contentment vs. covetousness
Realizing God has provided everything I need for my present happiness. “But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content.” (1 Timothy 6:8)
8. Creativity vs. underachievement
Applying God’s wisdom and practical insights to a need or task. “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:2)
9. Decisiveness vs. double-mindedness
The ability to finalize difficult decisions based on the will and ways of God. “But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives to all men generously and without reproach, and it Will be given to him.” (James 1:5)
10. Deference vs. rudeness
Limiting my freedom to speak and act in order not to unnecessarily offend others. “It is good not to eat meat or to drink wine, or to do anything by which your brother stumbles.” (Romans 14:21)
11. Dependability vs. inconsistency
Fulfilling what I consented to do even if it means unexpected sacrifice. “…honor those who fear the Lord, who keeps his word whatever the cost” (Psalm 15:4)
12. Determination vs. faintheartedness
Purposing to accomplish God’s goals in God’s timing 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, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.” (2 Timothy 4:7-8)
13. Diligence vs. slothfulness
Acknowledging each task as a special assignment from the Lord and using all my energies to accomplish it. “Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men.” (Colossians 3:23)
14. Discernment vs. judgment
The God-given ability to understand why things happen to others and to me. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)
15. Discretion vs. simplemindedness
The ability to avoid words, actions, and attitudes which could result in undesirable consequences.
“The prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it.” (Proverbs 22:3)
16. Endurance vs. giving up
The inward strength to withstand the 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)
17. Enthusiasm vs. apathy
Expressing with my spirit the joy of my soul. “Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not quench the Spirit.” (1 Thessalonians 5:15-16)
18. Faith vs. presumption
Open to what God intends to do 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)
19. Flexibility vs. resistance
Not setting my affections on ideas or plans, which could be changed by God or others. “Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.” (Colossians 3:2)
20. Forgiveness vs. rejection
Clearing the record of those who have wronged me and allowing God to love them through me. “And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:32)
21. Generosity vs. stinginess
Realizing that all I have belongs to God and using it for His purposes. “Now this I say, he who sows sparingly shall also reap sparingly; and he who sows bountifully shall also reap bountifully.” (2 Corinthians 9:6)
22. Gentleness vs. harshness
Showing personal care and concern in meeting the needs of others. “But we proved to be gentle among you, as a nursing mother tenderly cares for her own children.” (1 Thessalonians 2:7)
23. Gratefulness vs. un-thankfulness
Making known to God and others in what ways they have benefited my life. “But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere.” (2 Corinthians 2:14)
24. Hospitality vs. loneliness
Cheerfully sharing food, shelter, and spiritual refreshment with those whom God brings into my life.
“Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it.” (Hebrews 13:2)
25. Humility vs. pride
Seeing the contrast between God’s holiness and my sinfulness. “But he gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, “God is opposed to the proud, but gives to the humble.” (James 4:6)
26. Initiative vs. unresponsiveness
Recognizing and doing what needs to be done before I am asked to do it. “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:15-16)
27. Joyfulness vs. self-pity
We can refuse to indulge our sin natures and choose instead a grateful heart, trusting that “it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose” (Philippians 2:13).
28. Justice vs. fairness
Personal responsibility to God’s unchanging laws. “He had told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8)
29. Love vs. selfishness
Willingly, caringly tending to others’ without having personal rewards as my motive. “In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” (Acts 20:35)
30. Loyalty vs. unfaithfulness
We demonstrate our loyalty and self-sacrificing allegiance to Him by following His command: “If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me” (Mark 8:34). But even when we fail to be completely loyal and steadfast to Him, we have His assurance that He will be loyal to us: “And surely I am with you always, even to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:20b).
31. Meekness vs. anger
Yielding my personal rights and expectations to God. “My soul, wait in silence for God only, for my hope is from him.” (Psalm 62:5)
32. Obedience vs. willfulness
Standing firm in faith, fulfilling God’s instructions. “We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10:5)
33. Orderliness vs. disorganization
Arranging my life and surrounding so that God has maximum freedom to achieve His goals through me.
“But let all things be done properly and in an orderly manner.” (1 Corinthians 14:40)
34. Patience vs. restlessness
Accepting a difficult situation from God without giving Him a deadline to remove it.
“And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proved character; and proven character, hope.” (Romans 5:34)
35. Persuasiveness vs. contentiousness
Using words, which cause the listener’s spirit to confirm that he is hearing truth. “And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil” (2 Timothy 2:24)
36. Punctuality vs. tardiness
Showing respect for other people and the limited time that God has given to them. “Teach us to number our days” (Psalm 90:12)
37. Resourcefulness vs. wastefulness
Wise use of that which others would normally overlook or discard. “He who is faithful in a very little thing is faithful also in much; and he who is unrighteous in a very little thing is unrighteous also in much.” (Luke 16:10)
38. Responsibility vs. unreliability
Knowing and doing what God and others are expecting from me. “For each will have to bear his own load” (Galatians 5:6); “So then each one of us shall give account of himself to God.” (Romans 14:12)
39. Reverence vs. disrespect
Awareness of how God is working through the people and events in my life to produce the character of Christ in me. “For those he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son” (Romans 8:29)
40. Security vs. anxiety
Structuring my life around what is eternal and cannot be destroyed or taken away. “Don’t work for the food that perishes but for the food that lasts for eternal life” (John 6:27)
41. Self-control vs. self-indulgence
Instant obedience to the initial prompting of God’s Spirit. “Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.” (Galatians 5:24-25)
42. Sensitivity vs. callousness
Knowing by the prompting of God’s Spirit what words and actions will benefit the lives of others. “The Holy Spirit will give you the words to say at the moment when you need them.” (Luke 12:12)
43. Sincerity vs. hypocrisy
Eagerness to do what is right with transparent motives. “Since you have in obedience to the truth purified your souls for a sincere love of the brethren, fervently love one another from the heart.” (1 Peter 1:22)
44. Thriftiness vs. extravagance
Not letting myself or others spend that which is not necessary. “So if you have not been faithful with worldly wealth, who will trust you with what is genuine?” (Luke 16:11)
45. Thoroughness vs. incompleteness
Realizing that each of our tasks will be reviewed and rewarded by God. “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31).
46. Tolerance vs. prejudice
Viewing every person as a valuable individual whom God created and loves. “”Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15).
47. Truthfulness vs. deception
Earning future trust by accurately reporting facts. “Therefore, laying aside falsehood, speak truth, each one of you, with his neighbor, for we are members of one another.” (Ephesians 4:25)
48. Wisdom vs. natural inclinations
Seeing and responding to life situations from God’s frame of reference. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” (Proverbs 9:10)
49. Virtue vs. impurity
The influence God is having on others through my life regardless of my past failures. “Seeing that His power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and Godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His glory and excellence.” (2 Peter 1:3)