We have been teaching in the series Holy Spirit, My Super Helper. Our emphasis has been that the Holy Spirit is a Person. He is not a force, not a feeling, and not just power. Jesus said the Holy Spirit is “another Helper” like Him. This means we do not just experience Him. We relate with Him.
The Holy Spirit is not just tongues. He is not just emotions. He is not just power. He is a Person who lives in us forever, and we are called to have fellowship with Him. As we grow in knowing Him, one major result is that our character is transformed.
What Is Character?
Character is the combination of qualities that make a person distinct. When you hear barking, you know it is a dog. When people see certain behaviours, they know where they come from. In the same way, the Holy Spirit has a distinct character.
When His life is working in us, people should be able to say, “This behaviour reflects the Spirit.” The Holy Spirit is holy, set apart, pure, and distinct. He produces a character in believers that is also distinct and recognisable.
Christianity Must Produce Character Change
It is not enough to claim to be Spirit-filled and say the only evidence is speaking in tongues. The Bible shows that being born again leads to transformation. A new life produces new character. Any Christianity that does not result in character change is incomplete.
Acts 11:26 says, “The disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.” The word Christian means “little Christ.” People observed the disciples and saw that their behaviour, attitude, and character were like Christ. That is why they were called Christians.
Walking in the Spirit
Galatians 5:16–18 tells us to walk in the Spirit. The flesh and the Spirit oppose each other. Being led by the Spirit means we are not under the law.
Galatians 5:19–21 lists the works of the flesh: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, idolatry, hostility, jealousy, anger, selfish ambition, division, envy, drunkenness, and wild living. These do not reflect the Spirit’s character.
In contrast, the Bible speaks of the fruit of the Spirit, not fruits. This shows one Spirit producing one character expressed in many ways: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These qualities describe Spirit-formed character. This fruit is not produced by self-effort. It flows naturally from the Holy Spirit within the believer. It is an expression of identity, not personal achievement.
Identity Comes Before Behaviour
Romans chapters 5 to 8 repeatedly say, “Do you not know?” When you know who you are in Christ, your life begins to reflect it.
You are born again.
You have the Spirit of God.
You are a new creation.
Transformation begins inwardly before it is seen outwardly.
Christian character is not performance. It is not acting holy. It is not behaviour only on Sundays. What is in your heart will show everywhere.
Fruit of the Spirit Is Not Just Morality
Some people are morally upright, well behaved, and polite. That does not automatically mean they are displaying the fruit of the Spirit.
Christian character is Christlike. It is produced by the Spirit and shaped by fellowship with Him.
Growing in Christlike Character
After Acts 11:26, the believers are shown as Christlike people. Christian growth must move from only learning to living what is learned.
Practical Expressions of Winning in Character
1. Integrity
Integrity means living the same life in public and private. It means owning your mistakes, repenting, and changing.
2. Love in Action
Galatians 5:13–14 says, “By love serve one another.” Christian character is not about impressing God. It is about serving people through love. Grace teaches us to deny sin and live for Christ.
3. Humility
Humility means having a teachable spirit, being willing to change, and accepting correction. Philippians 2:5–8 shows that Christ humbled Himself and became obedient. A believer who refuses correction is walking in the flesh.
4. Perseverance and Resilience
Christian perseverance is not based on willpower. It comes from inner strength given by God. It means having faith in difficult seasons and refusing to give up. Colossians 1:11–12 says we are “strengthened with all might… unto patience and longsuffering with joyfulness.” The life of God in us produces peace, joy, patience, and endurance.
God Values Character
God does not judge the way people judge. People often look at appearance, success, and possessions. God looks at the heart, the inner life, and character.
Gifts may open doors, but character keeps you there.
Consider Joseph. His consistent character, faithfulness, goodness, and integrity preserved him through temptation, prison, and promotion. His character, not opportunity, brought him to leadership.
How Does the Character of the Spirit Grow?
It does not grow through resolutions or by struggling with sin in your own strength.
Galatians 5:16 says, “Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.” The key is simple. Follow the Spirit. Stay close to Him. Abide in Christ.
As you walk with Him, wrong habits lose power and right character grows naturally.
Practical Ways to Walk in the Spirit
- Regular study of God’s Word
- Prayer
- Worship
- Fellowship with other believers
Transformation is a process of growth, not a mechanical formula.
The Role of Christian Community
Christian growth happens best in community. We need accountability, correction, example, and encouragement. Hebrews 12:1–2 reminds us that we are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses. Scripture also teaches that iron sharpens iron.
Isolation weakens character. Community strengthens it.
Conclusion
Christian character is the fruit of the Spirit already placed inside every believer. It is not something we create by effort. It grows from the life of the Spirit within us. This character is meant to be visible in our daily lives, in our words, attitudes, and actions.
When people see us, they should be able to say, “This is Christlike” and “This reflects the Spirit.” Galatians 5:25 says, “If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” Since we have received His life, our daily walk should reflect that reality.
