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Us · Value 11 of 12

Character

Be More Like Christ

Character is Christ formed in us: honest, kind, humble and brave. There are no shortcuts — discipline, patience and persistence through trials make a person others can trust and God can use.

“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” — 2 Timothy 1:7

In practice
11 attributes

Life at its best is hard. Adversity is inevitable. How we handle it defines us. Decide to be better, not bitter.

Ephesians 4:25
25Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.
Proverbs 12:22
22Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight.
Psalm 15:1-2
1Lord, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill? 2He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart.
The world says
Lying and cheating. Tell the truth the first time, do your own work, and keep your word. Show up when you said you would.
— From Straight Path · Honest and reliable
God says
Honest and reliable (Proverbs 12:22).
Proverbs 12:22
Straight Path · a mentoring walk
Honest and reliable
Pitfall: Lying and cheating · Proverbs 12:22
Tell the truth the first time, do your own work, and keep your word. Show up when you said you would.
Walk it with a young person
Matthew 7:12
12Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.
Colossians 3:12
12Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
Ephesians 4:32
32And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.
Luke 6:31
31And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.
Proverbs 19:22
22The desire of a man is his kindness: and a poor man is better than a liar.

Topics in the Bible reader’s index that teach this statement. Open one to read its verses.

Topical index: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY 4.0), Nave’s Topical Bible and Torrey’s New Topical Textbook (public domain).
Psalm 118:6
6The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?
2 Timothy 1:7
7For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
Acts 4:13
13Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.
Joshua 1:9
9Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.
Psalm 27:1
1The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
The world says
Following the crowd. The moment you know it is wrong and everybody you like is doing it.
— From Straight Path · Walking with the wise
God says
Walking with the wise (Proverbs 13:20).
Proverbs 13:20
Straight Path · a mentoring walk
Walking with the wise
Pitfall: Following the crowd · Proverbs 13:20
The moment you know it is wrong and everybody you like is doing it.
Walk it with a young person
1 Corinthians 8:9
9But take heed lest by any means this liberty of your's become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.
Micah 6:8
8He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?
Philippians 2:3
3Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
Proverbs 3:34
34Surely he scorneth the scorners: but he giveth grace unto the lowly.
James 4:6
6But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.
Romans 12:3
3For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
Philippians 2:5-8
5Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
Mark 10:43-45
43But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: 44And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all. 45For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
John 13:14-15
14If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. 15For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.
1 Peter 5:5-6
5Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. 6Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:
The world says
Pride. See yourself the way God does, no better and no worse. Then work hard at what He gave you.
— From Straight Path · Humble preparation
God says
Humble preparation (Romans 12:3).
Romans 12:3
Straight Path · a mentoring walk
Humble preparation
Pitfall: Pride · Romans 12:3
See yourself the way God does, no better and no worse. Then work hard at what He gave you.
Walk it with a young person

Topics in the Bible reader’s index that teach this statement. Open one to read its verses.

Topical index: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY 4.0), Nave’s Topical Bible and Torrey’s New Topical Textbook (public domain).
James 1:2-4
2My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 4But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
Galatians 6:9
9And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
Romans 5:3-4
3And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; 4And patience, experience; and experience, hope:
Hebrews 12:11
11Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.
1 Corinthians 9:24-27
24Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. 25And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. 26I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: 27But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.
2 Timothy 1:7
7For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
Proverbs 25:28
28He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.
Titus 2:11-12
11For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;
The world says
Things that take over your mind. Nobody decides to be an addict. They decide to have one, at a party, because everybody is looking.
— From Straight Path · A clear mind
God says
A clear mind (Ephesians 5:18).
Ephesians 5:18
Straight Path · a mentoring walk
A clear mind
Pitfall: Things that take over your mind · Ephesians 5:18
Nobody decides to be an addict. They decide to have one, at a party, because everybody is looking.
Walk it with a young person
Straight Path · a mentoring walk
Redeeming the time
Pitfall: Screens and social media · Ephesians 5:15-16
Not whether. How much, when, and who decides. You, or the app.
This walk is about another statement, and touches this one.
Walk it with a young person

Topics in the Bible reader’s index that teach this statement. Open one to read its verses.

Topical index: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY 4.0), Nave’s Topical Bible and Torrey’s New Topical Textbook (public domain).
Ecclesiastes 7:8
8Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof: and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.
James 5:7-8
7Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. 8Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.
Psalm 27:14
14Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.
Romans 12:12
12Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;
1 Corinthians 4:2
2Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.
Lamentations 3:22-23
22It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. 23They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.
Luke 16:10
10He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.
Proverbs 20:6
6Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?
Matthew 6:12-15
12And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. 13And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. 14For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: 15But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Matthew 18:21-35
21Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? 22Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven. 23Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants. 24And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents. 25But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made. 26The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. 27Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt. 28But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest. 29And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. 30And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt. 31So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done. 32Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me: 33Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee? 34And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him. 35So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.
Colossians 3:13
13Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
Ephesians 4:31-32
31Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: 32And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.
Luke 6:37
37Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:
Hebrews 12:15
15Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;
James 3:2-10
2For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body. 3Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body. 4Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth. 5Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! 6And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. 7For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind: 8But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. 9Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. 10Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.
Ephesians 4:29
29Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
Ephesians 5:4
4Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.
Proverbs 18:21
21Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.
Matthew 12:36-37
36But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. 37For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.
Colossians 4:6
6Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.
Proverbs 10:19
19In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.
Matthew 5:8
8Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
1 Thessalonians 4:3-5
3For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: 4That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; 5Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God:
Hebrews 13:4
4Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.
Psalm 119:9
9Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.
1 Corinthians 6:18-20
18Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. 19What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 20For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.
Job 31:1
1I made a covenant with mine eyes; why then should I think upon a maid?
Philippians 4:8
8Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
The world says
Twisting God's design. Male and female, one man and one woman for life: God's design is the real thing, and purity keeps it.
— From Straight Path · God's design for sex and marriage
God says
God's design for sex and marriage (Genesis 1:27).
Genesis 1:27
Straight Path · a mentoring walk
God's design for sex and marriage
Pitfall: Twisting God's design · Genesis 1:27
Male and female, one man and one woman for life: God's design is the real thing, and purity keeps it.
Walk it with a young person

Topics in the Bible reader’s index that teach this statement. Open one to read its verses.

Topical index: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY 4.0), Nave’s Topical Bible and Torrey’s New Topical Textbook (public domain).
Character is taught in Straight Path 5 Covenant Marriage coming Work & Business coming All the tools
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Anchor — one of the 53 claims Anvoy is built on: who God is, what Scripture is, what the gospel is, what we are, and what God has instituted. The other 43 are open — how we apply them is yours to work out.