“But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.” 2 Corinthians 3:18
Developing the character of Christ is one of the greatest journeys a believer can experience. Christianity is not only about receiving forgiveness, attending church, or gaining biblical knowledge. It is about becoming more like Jesus — allowing His nature, love, humility, and holiness to be formed within us.
Many believers desire the power of God, but God’s greatest desire is to transform our character. Spiritual maturity is not measured only by gifts, talents, or how much Scripture we know. It is revealed through the person we become when we walk with God.
Jesus showed us what a life fully surrendered to the Father looks like. He was full of grace and truth. He was compassionate toward the broken, patient with the weak, humble before God, and obedient even when obedience was costly. The goal of every Christian life is to reflect Christ.
“For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son...” Romans 8:29
God is not only preparing us for heaven; He is transforming us to look like Jesus while we live on earth.
What Does It Mean to Have the Character of Christ?
The character of Christ refers to allowing the qualities of Jesus to be developed in our hearts through the work of the Holy Spirit.
It means becoming:
- Loving instead of selfish
- Humble instead of proud
- Forgiving instead of bitter
- Patient instead of easily angered
- Faithful instead of inconsistent
- Obedient instead of rebellious
Christlike character is not produced overnight. It is formed through daily surrender, spiritual discipline, trials, correction, and intimacy with God.
For believers who desire practical steps for reflecting Jesus in everyday life, understanding the actions and choices that shape Christlike living is essential. Read our guide on practical ways to follow Jesus and become more like Him.
The Holy Spirit is the One who produces this transformation.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith.” Galatians 5:22
1. Begin With a Heart Fully Surrendered to God
The foundation of Christlike character is surrender. Jesus lived with complete submission to the Father. Even in His greatest suffering, He prayed:
“Not my will, but thine, be done.” Luke 22:42
A surrendered heart says:
- “Lord, change me.”
- “Remove what does not reflect You.”
- “Teach me to love what You love.”
- “Shape my heart according to Your purpose.”
Many people want God to change their circumstances, but true transformation begins when we allow Him to change us. God cannot fully develop Christ’s character in a heart that refuses correction.
Spiritual growth requires humility — the willingness to admit that we still need God’s work in our lives. A surrendered heart creates room for God to shape our character and lead us into deeper maturity. Discover practical truths about growing in Christ and becoming spiritually mature.
2. Grow Through the Word of God
Jesus’ character was rooted in the truth of God’s Word. When Satan tempted Him in the wilderness, Jesus responded:
“It is written...” Matthew 4:4
The Word of God renews our minds and shapes our thinking. Transformation begins when God changes not only our actions but also our thoughts and attitudes. Learn how Scripture helps believers develop the mindset and attitude of Christ.
“Be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind...” Romans 12:2
The world constantly influences people to think according to pride, selfishness, and temporary desires. But Scripture teaches us to think according to God’s heart.
Through the Bible, we learn:
- How Jesus responded to people
- How He handled suffering
- How He loved His enemies
- How He walked in obedience
- How He depended on the Father
The more we behold Christ in Scripture, the more His character is formed within us.
3. Walk in the Love of Christ
Love was the greatest evidence of Jesus’ character. Jesus loved the unworthy, the rejected, and the forgotten. He touched lepers, welcomed sinners, forgave His enemies, and served those around Him.
He said:
“By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” John 13:35
Developing Christ’s character means allowing God to teach us how to love beyond our feelings.
Christlike love means:
- Forgiving when it is difficult
- Showing kindness when it is not returned
- Serving without seeking recognition
- Caring about the needs of others
Love is not weakness. It is the strength of Christ displayed through a surrendered life.
4. Develop Humility Like Jesus
Jesus was the perfect example of humility.
“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God... made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant.” Philippians 2:5-7
Although Jesus was Lord, He chose to serve. Humility allows God to work deeply in us because pride blocks spiritual growth.
A humble believer:
- Receives correction
- Admits mistakes
- Gives God the glory
- Does not seek superiority over others
True greatness in God’s Kingdom is not found in being served, but in serving.
5. Allow Trials to Produce Spiritual Maturity
God often develops Christ’s character through difficult seasons. Trials reveal what is inside our hearts and create opportunities for spiritual growth.
“My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.” James 1:2-3
Patience, endurance, and faith are not developed in comfort alone. God uses challenges to refine us.
A difficult season can teach us:
- Dependence on God
- Compassion for others
- Deeper faith
- Greater patience
The same God who strengthens us in trials is shaping us into the image of Christ.
6. Learn to Forgive Like Christ
One of the most powerful qualities of Jesus was His willingness to forgive. While hanging on the cross, Jesus prayed:
“Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” Luke 23:34
Forgiveness does not mean that pain was not real. It means we release the desire for revenge and surrender justice into God’s hands.
A heart filled with bitterness cannot fully reflect Christ. Jesus calls us to forgive because He has forgiven us. Learning to release offenses and walk in forgiveness is a vital part of becoming more like Jesus. Discover biblical steps for overcoming bitterness and reflecting Christ’s mercy.
“And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:32
7. Depend on the Holy Spirit Daily
Christlike character cannot be produced by human strength alone. The Holy Spirit is the One who changes hearts. He convicts us when we are wrong. He strengthens us when we are weak. He teaches us the ways of Christ. He produces spiritual fruit within us. Jesus Himself walked in the power of the Spirit.
As the Holy Spirit transforms our hearts, He also gives us the wisdom and discernment to live faithfully in a challenging world. Discover how Jesus calls believers to combine spiritual wisdom with Christlike purity in our Bible study on living wisely and harmlessly as Christ taught His disciples.
A believer who depends on the Holy Spirit begins to experience transformation from the inside out. Ask daily:
- “Holy Spirit, make me more like Jesus.”
- “Change my attitude.”
- “Control my words.”
- “Teach me to respond with grace.”
8. Practice Obedience in Everyday Life
Character is revealed through choices.
“If ye love me, keep my commandments.” John 14:15
Obedience is not about legalism; it is about love. Every act of obedience strengthens Christ’s character in us. Choosing patience instead of anger. Choosing honesty instead of compromise. Choosing forgiveness instead of bitterness. Choosing purity instead of temptation. Small daily decisions shape a Christlike life.
Conclusion: Becoming More Like Jesus
Developing the character of Christ is a lifelong journey. God is continually working in His children, transforming them from the inside out. The goal is not simply to know about Jesus but to become like Him. Becoming more like Jesus is a lifelong process of spiritual growth, where His love, humility, and obedience are formed in us day by day. Explore practical biblical steps in our guide on growing into Christlike character every day.
A believer with Christ’s character carries:
- His love
- His humility
- His compassion
- His obedience
- His patience
- His forgiveness
The world does not only need Christians who speak about Christ; it needs believers who reflect Christ.
May our prayer be: “Lord Jesus, form Your character in me. Remove anything that does not look like You. Teach me to love like You, forgive like You, serve like You, and walk in obedience to the Father. Let my life become a reflection of Your glory.”
As we surrender to God and walk with the Holy Spirit, we are changed “from glory to glory” until our lives reveal the beauty of Christ.
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