Faith Like A Mustard Seed

What are 9 characteristics that either your friends would claim you have, or that you would use to describe yourself?

We have all been given, or have developed different attributes. What would 9 of yours look like? Would you be pleased with your description?

Take a look at these 9 characteristics: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, and self-control.

Were these any of the characteristics on your list?

All of those 9 characteristics describe someone you may, or may not know. They are the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22), and the characteristics of Jesus Christ.

Jesus was loving. No one has ever shown more love than Him. His love is everlasting and unconditional.

Jesus was full of joy. He strengthened and encouraged others with His attitude, rejoicing in every day.

Jesus was at peace. Jesus was never worried, and He realized that His Father was in complete control, no matter the situation.

Jesus was patient. He did not misuse His words, overreact, or lash out at others around Him. He kept His cool in all situations.

Jesus was kind. He helped any who were in need, and was compassionate to all.

Jesus was good. There was never an evil word, action, thought, or impure motive about Him.

Jesus was faithful. He determined to complete the task the Father had purposed for Him, with complete trust and confidence.

Jesus was gentle. Without judgment or bringing others down, He taught, rebuked, and corrected those around Him.

Jesus had self-control. He was never tricked or manipulated into acting wrongly. He led a holy and disciplined life.

What do any of these 9 attributes have to do with you?

They should also be characteristics of your life, just as they were in the life of Christ.

Why?

God’s purpose for our lives is for us to be just like Christ. Christ-likeness is our goal to attain. God’s Spirit longs to reproduce these 9 characteristics in you and me. He wants us to know Him, to follow Him, and to be like Him. It’s all relational in nature. A relationship pleasing to God that will last for all eternity!

Dave Earley
Bible Study Forum
Faith Like A Mustard Seed

*In a Bible study or small group setting you could have each person write out 9 of their attributes, and then give them the 9 attributes of Jesus to go right along with theirs. They can then match up the attributes to see if some of them may have Christ-like qualities. It will be a great reminder that we are to press on to be like Christ in every way, taking on the same qualities that are found in Him. I received this idea from the book, The Promise, written by Robert Morgan. I would encourage you to read it. The Promise is an outstanding as well as inspiring book. I plan on reading it at least one more time…