CHARACTER TRAITS


Taken from Accelerated Christian Education Scope and Sequence Manual
with modifications


APPRECIATIVE


Expressing thanks to God and others for the ways they have served me.

In everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 NASB


ATTENTIVE


Demonstrating that the person is deserving by giving genuine courtesy and consideration to God's Word or a person's words

For this reason we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we
drift away from it.
Hebrews 2:1 NASB


AVAILABLE


Scheduling my priorities to fit the desires of others.

And as Jesus passed on from there, He saw a man, called Matthew, sitting in the
tax office; and He said to him, "Follow Me!" And he rose, and followed Him.
Matthew 9:9 NASB


COMMITTED


Giving the control of my life to the Lord

Commit your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him, and He will do it.
Psalm 37:5 NASB


COMPASSIONATE


Giving whatever is necessary to meet another's needs without expecting anything in return

To sum up, let all be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted,
and humble in spirit;
1 Peter 3:8 NASB


CONCERNED


Bearing another's burdens with great affection and admiration

Bear one another's burdens, and thus fulfill the law of Christ.
Galatians 6:2 NASB


CONFIDENT


Scheduling my priorities to fit the desires of others.

I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:13 NASB


CONSIDERATE


Thoughtful of others and of their feelings

Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the
interests of others.
Philippians 2:4 NASB


CONSISTENT


Not wavering from God's principles

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding
in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.
1 Corinthians 15:58 NASB


CONTENT


Understanding and accepting that God has provided everything I need for adjusting to circumstances around me.

Not that I speak from want; for I have learned to be content in whatever
circumstances I am.
Philippians 4:11 NASB


COOPERATIVE


Working or dwelling in unity with others

Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brothers to dwell together in unity!
Psalm 133:1 NASB


COURAGEOUS


Demonstrating that God is with me, giving strength and firmness of character, enabling me to endure any trial or danger

"Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the
Lord your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or
forsake you."
Deuteronomy 31:6 NASB


CREATIVE


Meeting a need or a chore from a different point of view

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of
your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good
and acceptable and perfect.
Romans 12:2 NASB


DECISIVE


Making all decisions based on the perfect will of God

"And if it is disagreeable in your sight to serve the Lord, choose for
yourselves today whom you will serve: whether the gods which your fathers
served which were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land
you are living; but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."
Joshua 24:15 NASB


DEFERENT


Controlling my privileges and preferences in order not to offend those God has called me to serve (putting their wishes or opinions before mine.)

Just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit,
but the profit of the many, that they may be saved.
1 Corinthians 10:33 NASB


DEPENDABLE


Being worthy of trust by doing what I said I would do even if it means self-denial

O Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to you, avoiding worldly and empty
chatter and the opposing arguments of what Is falsely called "knowledge"
1 Timothy 6:20 NASB


DETERMINED


Purposing to accomplish God's best regardless of the opposition

For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ,
and Him crucified.
1 Corinthians 2:2 NASB


DILIGENT


Seeing a chore (work) as a special assignment from the Lord and doing everything to complete it

Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men;
Colossians 3:23 NASB


DISCERNING


Having the insight and sympathetic understanding into a difficult situation and being able to make an accurate judgment

"Moreover, they shall teach My people the difference between the holy and
the profane, and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean.
Ezekiel 44:23 NASB


DISCREET


Forming sound opinions and giving serious attention and thought to what one is doing especially to details.

It is well with the man who is gracious and lends; He will maintain his cause
in judgment.
Psalm 112:5 NASB


EFFICIENT


Accomplishing the greatest productivity by preparing myself and my environment

Making the most of your time, because the days are evil.
Ephesians 5:16 NASB


EQUITABLE


Showing justice and impartiality to persons and programs according to God's law

To receive instruction in wise behavior, Righteousness, justice and equity;
Proverbs 1:3 NASB


FAIR


Seeing a situation from the viewpoint of each person involved

"Therefore, however you want people to treat you, so treat them, for
this is the Law and the Prophets.
Matthew 7:12 NASB


FAITHFUL


Manifesting a true spirit to a person to whom one is bound by a promise, a pledge, honor, or love

In this case, moreover, it is required of stewards that one be found trustworthy.
1 Corinthians 4:2 NASB


FEARLESS


Facing danger with a spirit of determination, for God gives us the spirit of power

For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.
2 Timothy 1:7 NASB


FLEXIBLE


Surrendering or yielding affections to God, not to earthly things that can be changed by others

Bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint
against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you.
Colossians 3:13 NASB


FORGIVING


Overlooking another's faults by means of expressing to him Christ's love (responding as if there were no faults)

Bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint
against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you.
Colossians 3:13 NASB


FRIENDLY


Extending my life to a friendship by receiving a person with the attitude: What is god doing in his life? How can I help?

A man of many friends comes to ruin, But there is a friend who sticks closer
than a brother.
Proverbs 18:24 NASB


GENEROUS


Using all I have to glorify God because it all belongs to Him

"In everything I showed you that by working hard in this manner you must
help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said,
'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'"
Acts 20:35 NASB


GENTLE


Responding tender-heartedly to the needs of others

And the Lord's bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all,
able to teach, patient when wronged,
2 Timothy 2:24 NASB


HONEST


Dealing righteously, showing what is right and proper to the Lord and others

For we have regard for what is honorable, not only in the sight of the Lord,
but also in the sight of men.
2 Corinthians 8:21 NASB


HUMBLE


Recognizing my weakness and showing awareness, as a little child, that God and others are responsible for the accomplishments in my life

You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe
yourselves with humility toward one another, for God is opposed to the proud,
but gives grace to the humble. Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty
hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time,
1 Peter 5:5-6 NASB


JOYFUL


Speaking to myself in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in my heart to the LORD as a result of being in agreement with God and others (shows on the face)

Speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and
making melody with your heart to the Lord;
Ephesians 5:19 NASB


KIND


Showing a genuine, harmonious attitude toward others

And be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other,
just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.
Ephesians 4:32 NASB


LOYAL


Confirming my commitment to a person or cause in time of adversity

"Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for
his friends.
John 15:13 NASB


MEEK


Yielding everything to God including the results and thoughts for self

Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior
his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom.
James 3:13 NASB


MERCIFUL


Having, feeling, and showing more kindness than justice requires

"Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.
Luke 6:36 NASB


OBSERVANT


Foreseeing and responding correctly and alertly to any situation

"Keep watching and praying, that you may not come into temptation;
the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak."
Mark 14:38 NASB


OPTOMISTIC


Meditating upon the most hopeful aspects of any situation

But if we hope for what we do not see, with perseverance we wait eagerly for it.
Romans 8:25 NASB


PATIENT


Accepting a difficult situation with calm endurance without complaining or losing self-control

Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us,
let us also lay aside every encumbrance, and the sin which so easily entangles
us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
Hebrews 12:1 NASB


PEACEFUL


Yielding self to the LORD for His control, for "He is our peace" (the inner quietness, freedom from disturbance of strife, absence of excitement or confusion)

"These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the
world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world."
John 16:33 NASB


PERSEVERANT


Withstanding stress (the attacks of time and circumstance) to accomplish God's best

And let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we shall reap
if we do not grow weary.
Galatians 6:9 NASB


PERSUASIVE


Motivating and directing others to see issues from God's point of view

With gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may
grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth,
2 Timothy2:25 NASB


PRUDENT


Seeing what is likely to happen and giving careful thought in acting and planning

The naive believes everything, But the prudent man considers his steps.
Proverbs 14:15 NASB


PUNCTUAL


Showing respect for God's timing as well as other people's time by being on time or quick to act when a request is made

There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every
event under heaven--
Ecclesiastes 3:1 NASB


PUROSEFUL


Resolving to accomplish a long-range goal and allowing this goal to determine my daily progress

How blessed are those who observe His testimonies, Who seek Him with all
their heart.
Psalm 119:2 NASB


RESOURCEFUL


Capable and ready to undertake projects that would overlook or discard

And to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life and attend to your own
business and work with your hands, just as we commanded you;
1 Thessalonians 4:11 NASB


RESPECTFUL


A feeling of deep respect and honor mixed with wonder, awe, and love for the person that God is using in my life to produce the character of Christ in me

But we request of you, brethren, that you appreciate those who diligently
labor among you, and have charge over you in the Lord and give you instruction,
and that you esteem them very highly in love because of their work.
Live in peace with one another.
1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 NASB


RESPONSIBLE


Knowing and doing what is expected of me without superior authority; trustworthy; dependable; reliable; accountable

So then each one of us shall give account of himself to God.
Romans 14:12 NASB


SECURE


Building my every day life on eternal things which cannot fail or be lost

"Then you would trust, because there is hope; And you would look
around and rest securely.
Job 11:18 NASB


SELF-CONTROLLED


Ruling my own spirit; instant obedience to the Holy Spirit

Abstain from all appearance of evil
1 Thessalonians 5:22 NASB


SINCERE


Desiring to do what is right with pure motives

"Now, therefore, fear the Lord and serve Him in sincerity and truth;
and put away the gods which your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt,
and serve the Lord.
Joshua 24:14 NASB


SUBMISSIVE


An inward attitude of yielding to the authority of another

Obey your leaders, and submit to them; for they keep watch over your souls,
as those who will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with grief,
for this would be unprofitable for you.
Hebrews 13:17 NASB


TACTFUL


Saying and doing the right things (discreet) to avoid undesirable consequences in dealing with people

Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned, as it were, with salt,
so that you may know how you should respond to each person.
Colossians 4:6 NASB


TEMPERATE


Not being extreme in anyway, especially with regard to appetites

Instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly,
righteously and godly in the present age,
Titus 2:12 NASB


THANKFUL


Graditude for actions or gifts God or people have accomplished or given

And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus,
giving thanks through Him to God the Father.
Colossians 3:17 NASB

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with
thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
Philippians 4:6 NASB


THOROUGH


Knowing what will reduce the effectiveness of my work if neglected by doing all that should be done to complete it

Whatever your hand finds to do, verily, do it with all your might; for there
is no activity or planning or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol where you are going.
Ecclesiastes 9:10 NASB


THRIFTY


The prudent managing of resources, work, and the regular putting aside of savings

Behold, My servant will prosper, He will be high and lifted up, and greatly exalted.
Isaiah 52:13 NASB

There is precious treasure and oil in the dwelling of the wise,
But a foolish man swallows it up.
Proverbs 21:20 NASB


TOLERANT


Accepting others and willing to endure their beliefs and actions with which I do not agree

Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather determine this--
not to put an obstacle or a stumbling block in a brother's way.
Romans 14:13 NASB


TRUTHFUL


Earned trust by accurately stating all known information

Therefore, laying aside falsehood, speak truth, each one of you,
with his neighbor, for we are members of one another.
Ephesians 4:25 NASB


VIRTUOUS


Conforming to and radiating God's moral principles of purity

Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right,
whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute,
if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise,
let your mind dwell on these things.
Philippians 4:8 NASB


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DISCERNING POSITIVE QUALITIES THROUGH NEGATIVE TRAITS


1979 Institute of Basic Youth Conflict--Bill Gothard



Every negative trait is a positive quality misused. A person who is careless with money is misusing the quality of generosity. A person who is critical and judgmental is misusing the quality of discernment. here is a further list of misuses.




01. Alertness: Jumpiness; quick criticism, presumptuous; inquisitiveness
02. Amiability: gullible; status-seeking; socially preoccupied; spineless
03. Analytical: Pickiness; pettiness; over-attention to detail
04. Aspiration: Selfish competition; vain ambition; scheming
05. Compassion: Gushy sentimentalism; undiscerning empathy; taking up offenses
06. Confidence: Conceited; cocky overbearing
07. Cooperativeness: Compromising; conniving; lacking initiative
08. Courage: Recklessness; brashness; brazenness
09. Courtesy: Self-consciousness; social stiffness; superficial flattery
10. Creativity: Mischievous; crafty; day-dreaming; devious
11. Decisiveness: Inflexibility; ruthlessness; dominance

12. Diligence: Slavishness; one-track mindedness; selfishly industrious
13. Discernment: Snoopiness; judgmental; critical; fault-finding
14. Discipline: Rigidness; harshness; overbearing; tyrannical
15. Discretion: Over-cautiousness; secretiveness; timidness; undue carefulness
16. Earnestness: Nervous Meticulousness; over-conscientiousness; over-serious
17. Efficiency: Perfectionism; fussiness; rigidness; impatience
18. Enthusiasm: Fanatical; over-bearing; over-wrought; aggressive
19. Expressiveness: Wordy; glib; vociferous; melodramatic
20. Fairmindedness: Indecisive; indiscriminate; undiscerning
21. Flexibility: Wishy-washiness; indecisiveness; spinelessness
22. Forgiveness: Irresponsible leniency; permissiveness; irresponsibility; weakness

23. Frankness: Tackless; insensitive; undiplomatic; disrespectful
24. Frugality: Stingy; miserly; penny-pinching
25. Extravagance; spend-thriftiness; wastefulness; squandering
26. Gratefulness: Flattery; gushiness; extravagant; generosity
27. Honestly: Outspokenness; bluntness; brutality; indiscretion
28. Hospitality: Ingratiating; social climbing; cliquish
29. Humility: Self-abasement; extreme self-criticism; lack of self-confidence
30. Loyalty: Possessiveness; idol worship; blind obedience; undue attachment
31. Neatness: Perfectionism; over meticulousness; intolerance; stiffness
32. Objectivity: Insensitivity; cold calculation; unloving
33. Patience: Indifferent; permissive; disinterested

34. Persistence: Stubbornness; flexibility; self-willed; headstrong
35. Persuasiveness: Smooth talking; high pressure tactics; pushiness
36. Punctuality: Intolerance; impatience with tardiness
37. Purposefulness: Single-mindedness; intolerance; inflexibility
38. Respectfulness: Idol worship; debilitating subservience
39. Resoluteness: Hardheadedness; closed mindedness; stubbornness
40. Resourcefulness: Over-independence; manipulating; scheming calculation
41. Sensitivity: Touchiness; easily offended; emotional
42. Sincerely: Gullibility; over seriousness; impulsiveness

IDENTIFYING POSITIVE QUALITIES


1979 Institute of Basic Youth Conflict--Bill Gothard


One of the most important purposes of a friendship is to assist one another in developing Christ-like character qualities. In order to do this we must be able to know and distinguish between specific qualities.



01. Truthfulness vs. Deception
02. Obedience vs. Willfulness
03. Sincerity vs. Hypocrisy
04. Virtue vs. Defilement
05. Boldness vs. Fearfulness
06. Forgiveness vs. Rejection
07. Persuasiveness vs. Unreasonableness

08. Alertness vs. Unawareness
09. Hospitality vs. Loneliness
10. Generosity vs. Stinginess
11. Joyfulness vs. Withdrawal
12. Flexible vs. Resistance
13. Availability vs. Dominance
14. Endurance vs. Giving Up

15. Accuracy vs. Carelessness
16. Reverence vs. Disrespect
17. Diligence vs. Slothfulness
18. Thoroughness vs. Incompleteness
19. Dependability vs. Inconsistency
20. Security vs. Anxiety
21. Patience fs. Restlessness

22. Wisdom vs. Natural Inclinations
23. Discernment vs. Unperceptiveness
24. Faith vs. Presumption
25. Discretion vs. Simple-mindedness
26. Self-control vs. Self-gratification
27. Creativity vs. Underachievement
28. Enthusiasm vs. Apathy

29. Resourcefulness vs. Wastefulness
30. Thriftiness vs. Extravagance
31. Contentment vs. Covetousness
32. Punctuality vs. Tardiness
33. Tolerance vs. Prejudice
34. Cautiousness vs. Impulsiveness
35. Gratefulness vs. Pride

36. Neatness vs. Disorganization
37. Initiative vs. Unresponsiveness
38. Responsibility vs. Irresponsibility
39. Courage vs. Cowardice
40. Decisiveness vs. Double-mindedness
41. Determination vs. Faintheartedness
42. Loyalty vs. Unfaithfulness

43. Attentiveness vs. Unapproachableness
44. Sensitivity vs. Callousness
45. Fairness vs. Partiality
46. Compassion vs. Indifference
47. Gentleness vs. Harshness
48. Deference vs. Rudeness
49. Meekness vs. Anger