By Pastor Aaron Perdue

Today, I challenge you to strengthen your character through identifying the attributes and characteristics of Jesus Christ and applying them to your life. If that sounds impossible, then get ready to learn some things that will revolutionize your life.

Most people, whether they consider themselves Christians or not, will agree that Jesus was a good role model. I work with the youth at our church and see firsthand the importance of good role models in our teens’ lives. The problem is that many good people we look up to often have a moral failure at some point. This can lead to disillusionment, especially when they professed to be Christians. When we look at and try to emulate people, we will be disappointed, but when we fix our sight on Jesus Christ (Hebrews 12:2), we see the perfect role model who cannot fail us.

Why Are the Attributes of Jesus Important for Christians?

The attributes, or inherent qualities, of Jesus are important for Christians because Jesus reveals God to us according to John 14:9, “…He who has seen Me has seen the Father.” We understand God as we understand Jesus’ attributes revealed in Scripture through His statements that begin “I am:” the bread of life (John 6:35); light of the world (John 8:12); the door (John 10:7); good shepherd (John 10:11); resurrection and the life (John 11:25); and the way, the truth and the life (John 14:6). These attributes show that Jesus is always trustworthy!

What Does the Bible Say About the Character of Jesus?

The Bible also says much about the character of Jesus. The ultimate character trait that Jesus showed when He walked on this earth was love. Ephesians 5:1–2 says, “Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. ² And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.” He showed so much love for us that He died in our place to pay the debt of sin that we owe. We could not do that for ourselves—that shows the ultimate attribute of grace.

Jesus exhibited other characteristics, such as compassion (Matthew 9:36), forgiveness (1 John 1:9), and being a faithful friend (John 15:15). We also see in Him many of the characteristics known as the fruit of the Spirit. The difference between the fruit of the Spirit and the attributes of Jesus can be found by understanding that the fruit of the Spirit is seen in a believer’s life as proof that the Holy Spirit lives in them. Galatians 5:22–23 lists the fruit of the Spirit: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³gentleness, self-control.” Jesus exhibited the fruit of the Spirit because the Holy Spirit was in Him.

How Did Jesus Show Humility, Love, and Patience in the Gospels?

The New Testament shows that Jesus modeled the characteristics of humility, love, and patience. Although He was the Son of God, Jesus humbly washed His disciples’ feet and said, “…whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant” (Matthew 20:26). There are numerous accounts throughout the Gospels of Jesus showing love through healing the sick and raising the dead. Jesus showed patience with His disciples as He spent time teaching them and training them in the ways of the kingdom of heaven. He used parables to simplify some of the concepts. Just as He was patient with the people who came to Him, He is patient with us today as we struggle in our Christian walk.

How Do the Attributes of Jesus Inspire Personal Transformation?

The characteristics and attributes of Jesus inspire personal transformation. Christians do not have to remain stuck in sin, anger, fear, or hatred. When we embrace Jesus’ loving grace and salvation, we spiritually become a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17), and because Jesus lives in us, His characteristics and attributes are available to us. Galatians 2:20 puts it this way: “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” We have the best life coach living within us, showing us the best example to follow.

How Can I Develop Christlike Attributes in My Life?

With the help of the Holy Spirit, you can develop Christlike attributes through reading God’s Word, spending time in prayer, and being in fellowship with other believers who can encourage you. An example of applying a Christlike attribute in your life would be to look for a situation where you can show loving compassion. There are many people around us who desire for someone to just listen to them, offer encouragement, or pray for them. Jesus did all of these things, and you can too, because you were created for good works (Ephesians 2:10) and imitating Christ (Ephesians 5:1).

Strengthening Your Character Through Jesus Christ

The bottom line is that strengthening your character is only possible by choosing to let the Holy Spirit lead you in daily exemplifying the characteristics and attributes of Jesus Christ. This will take patience, but it will be worth it. Philippians 1:6 says, “Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

Pastor Lawson Perdue has several free digital teachings to help you strengthen your character through the attributes of Jesus Christ, such as “The Mind of Christ,” “In Christ Realities,” “Our Hope in Christ,” and “Our Authority in Christ.” These are available at www.charischristiancenter.com, and we have many other topics, including newly translated Spanish curriculum downloads.