The Kingdom Character of Jesus Christ

Char-ac-ter (kar’ik ter) = n. ["to cut, engrave"]
“The stable and distinctive qualities built into an individual's life which determine his response regardless of circumstances.”

In Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount (see Matthew 5, 6 and 7), in a series of several commandments throughout this primary teaching of the Lord, we are able to identify some 49 different godly character qualities He draws attention to. These qualities represent the basic “kingdom character” He calls His people to demonstrate. These 49 character qualities are not produced by human effort alone, but rather are the result of the divine attributes of God being infused into the human virtues of those who walk in a living, obedient relationship with Him through faith. These character qualities reflect the presence of Christ being manifested in His people to display the glory of God Himself (cf. Matt. 5:16).

Week by week we will be posting a building list of 49 different character qualities. We will identify the quality, note its opposite and give a precise definition of the quality (some definitions, Copyright © 1999 by Character Training Institute). After the definition we will list some verses of scripture for you to study to gain insight on the quality as commanded by God.

Kingdom Character #1: Alertness (vs. Carelessness) “Exercising my spiritual senses to recognise the dangers around me that could diminish the graces God has given to me.”
(Luke 12:1; Luke 12:15; 2 Peter 3:17; Col. 2:8)

Kingdom Character #2: Attentiveness (vs. Distraction)
“Showing the worth of a person or project by giving it my undivided concentration.” (Prov. 1:5, 8; 4:20; 19:20; Exod. 15:26

Kingdom Character #3: Availablity (vs. Self-centeredness)
"Making my own schedule and priorities secondary to the wishes of those God calls me to serve." (Phil. 2:20-22; 3:8; Jer. 45:5; 1 Sam. 15:22)

Kingdom Character #4: Benevolence (vs. Selfishness)
Giving to others' basic needs without having as my motive personal reward. (Matt. 6:1-4; John 13:34-35; 1 John 3; 16-18)

Kingdom Character #5: Boldness (vs. Fearfulness)
Confidence that what I have to say or do is true, right, and just and welcoming the suffering that may arise from righteousness because it honours God. (Heb. 13:5-6; Prov. 28:1; Rev. 12:11; Is 51:12-13; Matt. 5:10)

Kingdom Character #6: Cautiousness (vs. Rashness)
Planning for the success of a venture by following the ways of God rather than my natural inclinations. (Luke 14:25-33; Prov. 16:25; Isa 55:8-9; Prov. 3:5-6; Jam. 1:5)

Kingdom Character #7: Compassion (vs. Indifference) Investing whatever is necessary to heal the hurts of others.
(1 John 3:17; Luke 10:30-37; 2 Cor. 1:3-5; Luke 19:10; Matt 9:36-38; 1 Tim. 6:17-18; 1 Pet. 3:8-9)

Kingdom Character #8: Contentment (vs. Covetousness)
"Realising that true happiness does not depend on material conditions." (Heb. 13:5; Phil. 4:11; 1 Tim. 6:8; Matt. 6:31-33; Matt. 4:4; Luke 12:15; Exod. 20:17; Psalm 16:11)

Kingdom Character #9: Creativity (vs. Underachievement)
"Cultivating wise thoughts, prudent words and skilful actions to carry out God’s will." (Dan 1:4; Prov. 1:4; 2 Cor. 9:8; Col. 1:10; Heb. 10:24; Prov. 8:12)

Kingdom Character #10: Decisiveness (vs.Procrastination )
"The ability to recognise key factors and finalise difficult decisions"(Dan. 1:8; Deut. 30:19; Matt. 6:24; Josh. 24:14-15; Heb. 11:24-26; Prov. 28:26)

Kingdom Character # 11: Deference (vs. Rudeness)
"Putting the welfare of others ahead of my own personal pleasures." (Heb. 12:3; Rom. 14:16; Prov. 19:11; 2 Cor. 6:3; 1 Cor. 10:32-33; Rom. 14:19-20; Rom. 14:21; Matt. 17:27; Phil. 1:9-10)

Kingdom Character #12:Dependability (vs. Inconsistency)
"Purposing in our hearts to do the will of God whatever the cost."(Luke 16:10; 1 Cor. 4:2; Rev. 2;10; 1 Sam. 2:35; Neh. 7:2; Neh. 9:8; Dan. 6:4; Matt. 25:40)

Kingdom Character #13:Determination (vs. Faintheartedness)"Purposing to accomplish right goals at the right time, regardless of the opposition." (Isa. 46:11; 2 Chron. 2:1; 2 Sm. 3:35; Acts 11:29; Phil. 3:14; Heb. 11:25; 12:16-17; Acts 24:16)

Kingdom Character #14: Diligence (vs. Slothfulness)
“Diligence is accepting each task as a special assignment from the Lord and using all my energies to complete it.”(Prov. 22:29; 12:24; Rom. 12:8; Col. 3:23; Eccl. 9:10; 2 Pet. 1:5-7; Heb. 11:6)

Kingdom Character #15:Discernment (vs. Shortsightedness)"The ability to distinguish between what is good and what is evil, in order to make wise decisions." (1 Kings 3:9; Ezek 44:23; Heb. 5:14; 2 Pet. 1:9; 1 Cor. 3:16-17)

Kingdom Character #16: Discretion (vs. Simple-mindedness) "Recognising and avoiding words, actions, and attitudes which could bring undesirable consequences." (Prov 17:28;25:11; 14:8,15; 12:23; 18:15; James 1:19; Prov 19:11)

Kingdom Character #17: Endurance (vs. Discouagement) "The inward strength to withstand stress and trial in doing the will of God." (Gen. 32:28; 2 Tim. 2:3; 2 Thes. 1:5; 1 Pet 1:19; Heb. 12:7; 2 Tim. 2:10; Heb. 12:1; Phil. 3;14; Gal. 6:9)

Kingdom Character #18: Enthusiasm (vs. Apathy)
"Expressing joy in each task and using God’s energy in my spirit to give it my best effort." (Eph. 5:18; 1 Thes 5:19; Rom. 12:9-11; Gal. 4:18; 2 Cor. 7:7; 1 Pet. 1:22; Tit. 2:14; Ps 42:11)

Kingdom Character #19:Faith (vs. Presumption)
"Confidence that actions rooted in good character will yield the best outcome, even when I cannot see how."
(Heb. 11:6; Acts 15:9; Matt 17:20; Rom. 10:17; 2 Cor. 5:7; 1 Pet. 1:7)

Kingdom Character #20:Flexibility (vs. Resistance)
"Not setting my affections on plans or places that could be changed by those whom I am serving." (1 Pet. 2:11; Eph. 4:14; Gen. 12:1; 2 Tim. 2:4; Luke 12:34; Exod. 40:36-38; Luke 14:27; Luke 17:32)

Kingdom Character #21:Forgiveness (vs. rejection)
"Clearing the record of those who have wronged me and not holding a grudge." (Matt. 18:21-22; Luke 17:4; Eph 4:32; Matt. 6:14-15; Col. 3:13; Luke 6:36; Prov. 19:11; Rom. 12:19)

Kingdom Character #22:Generosity (vs. Stinginess)
"Carefully managing the resources entrusted to me by God so I can freely give to those in need." (2 Cor. 9:6 - 8; Luke 6:38; 1 John 3:17; Prov. 19:17; 2 Cor. 8:14; Mark 10:21; Matt. 6:3-4)

Kingdom Character #23:Gentleness (vs. Harshness)
"Showing consideration and personal concern for others." (James 3:17; Isa 40:10-11; Matt. 11:28-29; 2 Cor. 1:3-4; Psalm 18:35; Prov. 12:10; 1 Thes. 2:7; Gal. 5:22-23; Titus 3:2)

Kingdom Character #24:Gratefulness (vs Unthankfulness)
“Letting God and others know by my words and actions how they have benefited my life.”(Lam. 3:22; 1 Thes. 5;18; Jam. 1:17; Jam. 1:2-4; Rom. 5:3-5; Psalm 92:1; Heb. 13:15; Psalm 30:4; Psalm 35:18; 116:17)

Kingdom Character #25: Honour (vs Disrespect)
“Respecting those in positions of leadership because of the higher authorities they represent .”
(1 King 1:31; Psalm 95:6; Lev. 19:30; Rom. 13:1; Ps 75:7; 1 Thes 5:12-13; Heb. 13:17; Prov. 17:11; Eph. 6:2-23)

Kingdom Character #26: Hospitality (vs Unfriendliness)
"Cheerfully sharing what God has given to us to benefit others and demonstrate God's love for them."
(Luke 14:12-14; 1 Peter 4:9; Rom. 12:13; Heb. 13:2; 1 Tim. 3:2; Jam. 2:15-16; Matt. 25:40)

Kingdom Character #27:Humility (vs Pride)
“Recognizing that nothing I have done could have been achieved without the investments of others.” (2 Chon. 7:14; Prov. 22:4; 1 Peter 5:5-6; James 4:10; Isa 57:15; Prov. 16:19; 29:23; Phil. 2:7)

Kingdom Character #28:Initiative (vs Idleness) “Recognizing and doing what needs to be done before I am asked to do it.”Psalm 40:8; Prov. 31:10,27; Psalm 37:4; Acts 13:22; 2 Sam. 7:2-17; Gal. 6:10; 1 John 1:9)

Kingdom Character: #29: Justice (vs Corruption)
“Personal responsibility to uphold that which is pure, right, and true.”(Rom. 3:4; Isa. 56:1; Psalm 119:121; Prov. 21:3; 12:13; 10:7; Micah 6:8; Ps 25:9)

Kingdom Character #30:Joyfulness (vs Self-pity) “The bright spirit and radient countenance that come by being in full fellowship with the Lord.” (Psalm 16:11; Nehemiah 8:10; Prov. 17:22; 15:13; Ps 51:12; 2 Cor. 1:12; John 15:7-11 )

Kingdom Character #31: Loyalty(vs Unfaithfulness)
“Using difficult times to demonstrate my commitment to those I serve. ” (2 Cor. 8:9; 1 Sam. 18:1; John 6:66-68; Exod. 21:5; Ruth 1:16-17; Eccl. 5:4-5)

Kingdom Character #32: Meekness (vs Anger)
“Yielding my personal rights and expectations with a desire to serve.” (Eph. 4:2; Matt. 11:29; Matt. 5:3-5; Ps 149:4; James 1:21; John 5:30; Ps 25:9; 22:26; 1 Pet 3:4; Col. 3:12-13; Titus 3:1-2)

Kingdom Character #33: Obedience (vs Willfulness)
“ Serving God by quickly and cheerfully carrying out the proper direction of my God-ordained authorities.” (1 Peter 5:5; Prov. 30:17; Rom. 13:1-6; John 14:21; Deut. 11:13; 1 Peter 2:13-14; Eph. 6:1-2)

Kingdom Character #34: Orderliness (vs Confusion)
Arranging myself and my surroundings to achieve greater efficiency in service .”(1 Cor. 14:33,40; Lev. 10:10; Eccl. 12:9; 1 Chron. 12:38; Exod. 19:10; 2 Cor. 6:17; Acts 2:42; )

Kingdom Character #35: Patience (vs Restlessness)
“ Accepting a difficult situation as a means of developing character without giving God a deadline to remove it.”(Ps 37:7; 40:1; Heb. 6:12; Rom. 5:3-4;2 Cor. 12:9-10;Jam 1:2-4; Jam 5:11; Luke 8:15; Luke 21:19; 2 Cor. 6:4; 2 Thes. 3:5; Heb. 10:36 )

Kingdom Character #36:Persuasiveness (vs Contentiousness)
“Guiding vital truths around another's mental roadblocks. ” 2 Cor. 5:11; Eph. 4:14-15; Acts 13:43; 18:4; 19:8;28:32; 2 Cor. 4:2; Col. 4:6; 2 Tim. 2:24-26; Mark 7:24-30)

Kingdom Character #37:Punctuality (vs Tardiness)
“Showing esteem for others by doing the right thing at the right time. ” ( Jam. 4:14; Prov. 3:9-10; Psalm 90:12; Jam. 4:17; Eph. 5:15-16)

Kingdom Character #38:Resourcefulness (vs Wasefulness)
“Finding value and practical uses for that which others would overlook or discard. ” (Luke 19:10;2 Cor. 9:8; Prov. 10:5; Matt. 25:15-27; Lev. 19:9-10; Gen. 6;19, 21; Gen. 41:35-36; 1 Cor. 16:1-2)

Kingdom Character #39:Responsibility (vs Unreliability )
“Following the dictates of conscience in knowing and doing what God and others expect of me.” (Rom. 13:8;Prov. 25:19; Rom. 15:1; 1 Cor. 4:2; Matt. 25:40; Col. 3:23-24; Luke 17:7-10; Matt. 12;36-37; 2 Cor. 5:10; Jer. 17:10 )

Kingdom Character #40:Security (vs Anxiety )
“Knowing that whatever I give to God will have lasting reward and structuring my life around eternal things which cannot be destroyed or taken away .” (1 Cor. 7:32; Isa 30:15; Isa 47:8, 10-11; 26:3; Jer. 17:5, 7-8; Psalm 28:7; 27:1-3; 125;1;Rom 8:38-39; Phil. 4:6-7; Isa 41:10; 2 Tim. 1:12; Ps 91:1-6; Ps 61:3)

Kingdom Character #41:Self-Control (vs Self-Indulgence ) “ Rejecting wrong desires and doing what is right.”(Rom. 12:2; 2 Tim. 3:3; 1 Cor. 9:24-25; 25-27; Titus 2:1-2; Rom. 8:3-4, 7-8; Gal. 5;16, 22-23; Rom. 8:12-13; Col. 3:5; Rom. 6:16)

Kingdom Character #42: Sensitivity (vs Callousness)
“Compassionate awareness of the true attitudes and emotions of those around me ” (Rom. 12:15; Prov. 12:18; 1 Cor. 2:11; Eph. 4:23; 1 Peter 3:8; Psalm 95:8; 2 King 22:11)

Kingdom Character #43: Sincerity (vs Hypocrisy)
“Eagerness to do what is right with transparent motives.”
(Jam 5:16; Phil. 1:9-11; 2 Cor. 8:1-8; Psalm 26:1; Gen. 17:1; Psalm 15:1-2; 1 King 15:14; 2 Chron. 25:1-2; Psalm 51:17)

Kingdom Character #44:Thoroughness (vs Incompleteness)
“Carrying out each task in preparation for God’s personal inspection and approval.”
(Col. 3;22-24; Matt. 5:18; 2 Cor. 7:1; 2 Tim. 2:21; Psalm 139:23-24; Eph. 6:6; 2 Chron. 29:16; Jer. 7:5-7; Eccl. 9:10)

Kingdom Character #45:Thriftiness (vs Extravagence)
“Not spending more than is needed in order to have more to give back to God.”(Matt. 25:21; 14-27; Phil. 4:12; Matt. 13:44; Prov. 28:8; Luke 12:15; 1 Tim 6:8; Luke 9:1-3; Phil 3:7-8; Prov. 12:27)

Kingdom Character #46: Tolerance (vs. Condemnation)
Making allowances for those who lack wisdom and maturity knowing that everyone is at varying degrees of character development.” (1 Cor. 12:25-27; 2 Cor. 10:12; 1 Cor. 13:4; Psalm 103:10; Eph. 4;12-13; 2 Tim 2:24; 2 Peter 3:9)

Kingdom Character #47:Truthfulness (vs Deception)
“Earning future trust by communicating by life and words what is genuine and accurate.”(Psalm 15:1-2; John 3:21; 1 Pet 1:22; John 4:23-24; John 8:32; Prov. 20:28; 1 John 1:6; Prov. 14:22; Jam 1:21)

Kingdom Character #48: Virtue (vs Impurity)
“The moral power of a life consistently lived in harmony with God’s holy character.”(Luke 6:19; 2 Peter 1:3; Isa 60:1-2; Prov. 31:10,30; Eph. 3:16; 2 Cor. 4:6-12; Col. 1:10-11; 2 Peter 1:5)

Kingdom Character #49:Wisdom (vs Foolishness)
“Seeing and responding to life situations from a perspective that transcends my current circumstances.”(Prov. 1:20-22; Jam 3:17; Prov. 10:8; 12:15; 13:20; 15:2; 8:11; 4:7; Jam. 1:5; Deut. 4:6; Psalm 119:98; Prov. 9:9,10)