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Here is a list of character traits one writer considers desirable: integrity, courage, humor, intelligence with common sense, emotional balance, kindness, self-confidence, discipline, generosity, and self-awareness. Unwanted traits include deceit, dishonesty, greed, mean-spiritedness, selfishness, and unreliability. When the Apostle Paul wrote to the church at Galatia, in chapter 5 he identified some undesirable traits that spring from our sinful nature: “sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, and wild parties.” But he had another list of desirable traits that include “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control.” These spiritual traits reflect the character of Christ. God desires each of His children to grow into the moral likeness of His Son. These traits do not come from our striving with all our might to obtain them. They come as fruit, as we live in submission to God’s Spirit. He dwells within those who accept Jesus Christ as their Savior. As we trust in Christ and submit ourselves to God’s Spirit, these character traits grow in us as the fruit of God’s Spirit.
