"How to BE a Woman of Godly Character"
Written by Courtnaye Richard
(Printable Version here...How to BE a Woman of Godly Character...Devotion)
Do you want to be a woman that God can use? If so, then it will take having good godly character. Jesus tells us in John 15:5, “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.” (NLT) The truth is, we cannot bear fruit apart from Jesus. We need Him to help us possess true godly character. And we need it to do God’s will effectively.
But let’s go deeper. Jesus goes on to say in John 15:8, “My true disciples produce much fruit. This brings great glory to my Father.” (NLT) The reason why this brings much glory to God is because when we operate with love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, goodness, faith, humility, and self-control in our everyday lives, homes, workplace, church, and community, this ultimately displays God’s character operating through us. And these attributes are called “fruit.”
This is BIG!
And not only that, but once we operate in this fruitfulness of life, Jesus tells us that He wants fruit that will remain. Look at John 15:16 which says, “You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name.” (NLT) When we bear good fruit, the Lord blesses us in ways that blows our minds. Not only that, but He’s pleased with us. Yet, when we bear bad fruit, it shows that we are not really acting like His children.
Jesus tells us in Matthew 7:17, “A healthy tree produces good fruit, and an unhealthy tree produces bad fruit.” And verse 20 says, “Yes, the way to identify a tree or a person is by the kind of fruit that is produced.” (NLT) Remember, He said earlier, my true disciples produce much fruit. And it’s not only much, but good and remaining.
In short, it’s not flighty. It’s not inconsistent. And it’s not rotten. Instead, it’s lasting, consistent, and delicious. So when people are around us, they need to see Christ shining through us consistently. But if we’re customarily being mean, stubborn, nasty, demanding, critical, unfriendly, judgmental, and the negative list can go on and on…then we’re not really displaying true godly character. And they will NOT see the light. And this is not good. Instead, this bad pattern would have to be broken, and we’d have to correct ourselves by holding the mirror of God’s word up to our faces, while allowing it to change us from the inside out.
Granted, there are times when we might get upset about something or don’t like certain things that are happening around us, but it’s all about our response to the situations. That’s what Jesus is referring to. It’s how we deal with life as it hits us and how we handle God’s people. The Bible says, “Owe no man anything, but to love one another…” (Romans 13:8 KJV). Love is fruit. Love is godly character. Love is who we want to BE.
Now listen. Don’t panic. Because this will be a lifelong practice. Godly character is not something that you develop overnight. It takes time. It takes trial and error. And God knows how to help us to possess this beautiful quality. But it will also take us being sensitive and totally aware of the Holy Spirit’s guidance and our willingness to uphold this.
The Holy Spirit will help us. Galatians 5:22-23 says so, “But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, meekness, and self-control…” Thank GOD that we’re not alone in the process!
YES! He’ll be the One to tell us when to smile, help someone, show love, be gentle, be kind, keep the faith, have self-control, be humble (be quiet when you could tell someone a piece of your mind), remain patient, be joyful, and peaceable. He is faithful to show us how to BE women of godly character.
Devotion Questions…
- Have you been acting like a woman of godly character lately? Yes _____ No_____ A Little ____
- If so, examine yourself today, and see how you possessed this quality yesterday. After examining yourself, list some things that you did that showed godly character to others…
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- List the people in your life who have exemplified true godly character (good fruit).
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- What type of fruit could you work on better from Galatians 5:22-23 and how do you see yourself accomplishing this?
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- How can you display more godly character in these places…
Home _________________________________________________________________________
Work _________________________________________________________________________
Church ________________________________________________________________________
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*Pray and ask God to help you to BE a woman of godly character and then journal your progress. You’ll be amazed at your spiritual growth and fruitfulness! You can do all things through Christ! www.insideoutwithcourtnaye.org[/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]
This is quite amazing…I sat down to intentionally spend some quiet time with GOD. For the last few weeks the Lord has been PURGING me strongly…I’ve never experienced this before…I googled what is spiritual PURGING and I clicked on your site..I know it was no coincidence…I really enjoyed reading the devotional..It really BLESSED my life..Please pray for GOD to replenish me with the TRUE fruits of the spirit…it’s NOT easy to talk to other women about jealousy, envy of pride…I PRAISE GOD for your MINISTRY…GOD bless you SIS.?
Awesome sis! And thank you for writing in! I’m grateful to God that you found my site. I will indeed pray for you sis. In the meantime, continue trusting God to bring about that delicious fruit in your life that will not bless other lives around you, but will ultimately bring Him glory. The Holy Spirit will lead and guide you as to how and when to show the love, peace, and joy with others (see Galatians 5:22-23). Follow as He leads you and you will be that woman of true godly character. 😉 God bless you too sis! ~Courtnaye