Character

is not something which occurs spontaneously or automatically. It doesn’t just happen. We don’t just sit back and do nothing about it. Rather, we do have to actively strive to be compassionate and kind.

And the other things which Paul mentions too: Bear with each other, he says, forgive each other, and what greater motive is there to forgive each other that Jesus Christ himself has forgiven us. How can we refuse to forgive our brother or sister their small and trivial offences? And over all these virtues, says Paul, put on love which binds everything in perfect unity.
The American commentator John Macarthur says this: “Love is the beauty of the believer dispelling the ugly sins of the flesh that destroy unity.”

And it is love which binds everything in perfect unity. This means that we can see the measure of how much the love of Christ dwells within a Christian congregation, within a Christian fellowship by the degree of unity. Is a Christian congregation or fellowship divided within itself? Then there is very little of the love of Christ in its member’s hearts. Sadly the history of the Christian church we see so much of that lacks of unity; a lack of the love of Christ.

And Paul is saying over all these virtues put on love "Put it on". Yes, it’s the fruit of the Holy Spirit within us but still our human flesh wants to go the other way, and wants to seek self. Constantly we have to remind ourselves that we are Christians and strive to be like our Lord. Jesus Christ, for then the Holy Spirit will indeed make us like him.

Paul is writing about the character of the new man and woman. We are changed, our lives should be transformed receiving new mercies every day. So character? Character is certainly one of the most important virtues in our daily lives. It is how we are known. God formed our hearts, but our character is formed by our families, our friends and those around us. What could possibly be the greatest character trait we could develop? I recently read this regarding ethics and virtue:

“Virtues" are attitudes, dispositions, or character traits that enable us to be and to act in ways that develop this potential. They enable us to pursue the ideals we have adopted. Honesty, courage, compassion, generosity, fidelity, integrity, fairness, self-control, and prudence are all examples of virtues.

How does a person develop virtues? Virtues are developed through learning and through practice. It is suggested, a person can improve his or her character by practicing self-discipline, while a good character can be corrupted by repeated self-indulgence. Just as the ability to run a marathon develops through much training and practice, so too does our capacity to be fair, to be courageous, or to be compassionate.

Virtues are habits. That is, once they are acquired, they become characteristic of a person. For example, a person who has developed the virtue of generosity is often referred to as a generous person because he or she tends to be generous in all circumstances. Moreover, a person who has developed virtues will be naturally disposed to act in ways that are consistent with moral principles. The virtuous person is the ethical person.

We live in a world that is starving for men and women who have godly character. There is a shortage of it in our country, and our churches,