Through character building we ought to share God’s
transforming love with others. When
providing these blessings to the unloved, let them see that our hearts are
filled with goodness. By doing so, we’ll
be declaring to the world our love. Such
a deed is glorious to live by.
Dennis Prager (b. 1948), a political conservative, nationally
syndicated radio talk show host, and author explained, “That goodness is about
character – integrity, honesty, kindness, generosity, moral courage, and the
like. More than anything else, it is
about how we treat other people.” As the
saying goes, “actions speak louder than words.”
We must love people and treat them right. This must be one of our foremost goals in
loving our neighbors as ourselves.
Faces of Love
Martin Luther King, Jr. (1929–1968), a Baptist minister and leader in the
African-American Civil Rights Movement, said, “I have a dream that my four
little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by
the color of their skin, but the content of their character.” While addressing our nation, King’s challenge
was for us to have a good attitude of race relations. People matter, regardless of their race,
religion, or national origin.
Inevitably love faces good and bad challenges. Walter Anderson (1903–1965), a painter, writer, and naturalist wrote, “Bad
things do happen; how I respond to them defines my character and the quality of
my life. I can choose to sit in
perpetual sadness, immobilized by the gravity of my loss, or I can choose to
rise from the pain and treasure the most precious gift I have – life
itself.” As our characters continue to
take shape consideration must be given about how we respond to
adversities. Some faced with such
problems saw such times as motivators of higher levels of understanding. Such defining moments have helped shape their
attitudes towards people.
Development of Character
Helen Keller (1880–1968),
an author, political activist, and lecturer said, “Character cannot be developed
in ease and quiet. Only through
experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition
inspired, and success achieved.” Keller
was certain challenges played a part in our lives. People are essentially a pot in their Maker’s
hands to be shaped the way he pleases.
In true love people have to be faithful. That’s why love and friendship complement
each other. These signs of godliness are
often expressed in families. Billy
Graham (b. 1918), an evangelical Christian evangelist and Southern Baptist
minister wrote, “The greatest legacy one person can pass on to one’s children
and grandchildren is not money or other material things accumulated in one’s
life, but rather a legacy of character and faith.” Character is treating others the way we want
to be treated. When our children see
these signs in us their ideas concerning life become clearer in their
relationships with their friends.
By helping others let people see goodness in your lives as
you reach out to a broken world. You must
celebrate love in action and rejoice in the Lord. John Wooden (1910–2010), a basketball player and coach reminded us:
“Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your
character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others
think you are.” Let your major goal in
life be to build a fine character and serve others. People are here on earth to build up the body
of Christ. These are gifts that come
with living in obedience to him. Be always
open to giving and sharing love.
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