Positive
Character

Scripture: I know, my God, that you test the heart and are pleased with integrity.

May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope is in you. Ps 25:21

Definition: Being found morally sound according to Scripture. Maintaining conviction and the courage to stand alone when required.

Sample prayer: Praying this will most likely lead my kids into situations that are much bigger than them. But You are able to help them stand when they fall and give them courage to do it again. By Your grace, make them godly by being their strength.

Scripture: If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.

Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Gal 5:25

...and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Eph 5:2

Definition: Giving to other's basic needs without having as my motive personal reward.

Sample prayer: Only You, Lord can teach agape. our love often has "strings," but Your word is based on sacrificial giving that has no expectation of returned favor. May they know Your love and show it to the world.

Scripture: But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.

Definition: Preparing myself and my surroundings so that I will achieve the greatest efficiency.

Sample prayer: Don't allow the way our kids live in disarray extend over to influence how they deal with problems. Make them good stewards of their time and resources.

Scripture: For who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?

Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Eph 5:20

Rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. Col 2:7

Definition: Making known to God and others in what ways they have benefited my life.

Sample prayer: Help my children learn that being grateful is a signal to God He doesn't have to turn up the heat for them to know He's working.

Scripture: If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?

Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Col 3:12

Definition: Investing whatever is necessary to heal the hurts of others. Also, recognizing the need others have that God would like you to address.

Sample prayer: Help them see things through your eyes and listen to what's said with your ears, Lord. May they do and say what they think you would do if you were there, Jesus.

Scripture: Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart.

Definition: Eagerness to do what is right with transparent motives.

Sample prayer: Teach them to be transparent and not act like something they're not.

Scripture: Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king.

Definition: To treat someone or something in a way God is pleased.

Sample prayer: Keep my kids from gaining a distaste for things this world would discard. Make them a rebuilder of fallen walls in the spirit of Nehemiah; a restorer of relationships like Paul and reclaimer of broken vessels like You.

Scripture: But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.

Definition: Seeing through a surface problem to root causes.

Sample prayer: Teach my child to learn the difference between discernment and judgment. Help him avoid having a judgmental attitude by reminding him of the way you forgive his sin. Teach him when to speak and when not to speak, but when he does, may he use terms that don't accuse or blame.

Scripture: Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else.

Definition: The tendency to treat people like you believe God wants to treat them.

Sample prayer: Teach my kids to dispense kindness in such a way people will see You and not them.

Scripture: As apostles of Christ we could have been a burden to you, but we were gentle among you, like a mother caring for her little children.

Definition: Expressing personal care appropriate to another's emotional need.

Sample prayer: May my children avoid reacting to conflicts and instead learn to resolve them if possible. Give them a tender heart that demonstrates the gentleness a shepherd.

Scripture: But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13I can do everything through him who gives me strength. Phil 4:12-13

Definition: Realizing God has provided everything I need for my present happiness.

Sample prayer: Help them distinguish between their desire and what You desire. Help them understand that having what they need to do what you desire is all they need.

Scripture: We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

Definition: Freedom to be creative under the protection of divinely appointed authority.

Sample prayer: Help my children to learn that obedience is not just doing something, but doing it promptly with the right heart attitude.

Scripture: Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.

Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. 19In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life. 1 Tim 6:18-19

Definition: Realizing that all I have belongs to God and using it for his purposes.

Sample prayer: Give my child a desire to give himself first and his resources second. Teach him the difference between the two, while blessing him with resources that permit him to demonstrate a giving spirit.

Scripture: For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge...

Definition: The moral excellence and purity of spirit that radiate from my life as I obey God's Word.

Sample prayer: As my kids grow, help them learn the value of living a godly life and guarding their reputation.

Scripture: But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.

Definition: Displaying evidence that indicates the Holy Spirit is working to make you like Jesus.

Sample prayer: Keep my children on Your easel so they allow You to paint their lives to glorify You. Use their experiences as canvas and Your word as a brush to spread the paint of grace on their lives.

Scripture: And the Lord's servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.

Definition: Guiding vital truths around another's mental roadblocks.

Sample prayer: Grant my kids the ability to break down all the barriers contructed by others designed to keep You out.

Scripture: I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day--and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

Definition: Purposing to accomplish God's goals in God's time regardless of the opposition.

Sample prayer: Never let my kids give up when their in Your strength, but when they struggling in their own strength, help them stop and teahc them the difference.

Scripture: Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness.

Definition: Confidence that what I have to say or do will result in lasting benefit.

Sample prayer: Give my children confidence to act on faith when it appears there may be consequences for doing so.

Scripture: Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.

Definition: Not setting my affections on ideas or plans which may be changed by others.

Sample prayer: May he be willing to gladly change his plans in order to accommodate those to whom You've called him to witness.

Scripture: Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men...

Definition: Doing what's required without comparing the value of the job with your perceived value.

Sample prayer: Teach my children, Lord, to value work and to do it with all their heart, as working for You and not for men.

Scripture: Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men...

Definition: Visualizing each task as a special assignment from the Lord and using all my energies to accomplish it.

Sample prayer: Keep my kid from giving up until a job is finished. Teach them the value of starting something, but more importantly teach them the greater importance of finishing strong no matter how long it takes.

Scripture: Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.

Definition: The ability to quickly give-up. That is, to ignore your fear long enough to ask God to be your strength.

Sample prayer: Keep my kids secure, but don't let them develop fear of the unknown. Do what you have to do to teach them what you think they need to know.

Scripture: There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven:

Definition: Showing high esteem for other people and their time.

Sample prayer: Teach my children the value of other people's time and plant in them a desire to honor it with being on time and not wasting their time.

Scripture: For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Definition: Having a good opinion of yourself but not so high you don't remember the mess you were before God gave you a spiritual makeover.

Sample prayer: Help my kids see themselves as You see them and not any higher. If their lost, help them see what they can become by Your grace.

Scripture: Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body.

Definition: Earning future trust by accurately reporting past facts.

Sample prayer: Help them learn the worse consequence for telling the truth is never as bad as favor gained through lies. When trust has been lost, help them be faithful to honor their relationships always telling the truth - in all circumstances - all the time.

Scripture: Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Definition: Healing others by using their offenses as a means of expressing to them Christ's love.

Sample prayer: Make my children forgiving of those who take advantage of them. Teach them to forget as well, so they don't confuse forgiveness with delayed justice.

Scripture: And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.

Definition: Recognizing that the more God asks us to do requires spending more time with Him.

Sample prayer: I ask You to give my kids more than respect for prayer; give them a heart for prayer that grows and grows until they spend more time with You than anyone else.

Scripture: Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men...

Definition: Considering yourself unworthy and finding ways to do things for someone without expecting recognition or compensation.

Sample prayer: God, please help my children develop a servant's heart for You so they will please You through their willing spirit. Equip them to serve effectively and use them to facilitate the work of the kingdom.

Scripture: Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.

So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled. 1 Thes 5:6

Definition: Instant obedience to the initial promptings of God's Spirit.

Sample prayer: May my children have confidence in You to hold and keep them. Lead them to give control of their life to the Holy Spirit and not be led astray by their sinful nature.

Scripture: Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.

The apostles said to the Lord, "Increase our faith!" He replied, "If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and planted in the sea,' and it will obey you.
Lk 17:5-6

Definition: Visualizing what God intends to do in a given situation and acting in harmony with it.

Sample prayer: I pray that faith will grow strong in my children's heart and they learn to live according to Your revealed word and not their best intention.

Scripture: Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.

Definition: Having the moral stamina to continue doing what you need to do in the face of extreme opposition.

Sample prayer: May my kids' attitudes be like that of Jesus, who for love of us, endured the cross.

Scripture: Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.

Definition: Cheerfully sharing food, shelter and spiritual refreshment with those God brings into my life.

Sample prayer: Give my children a passion to share what You've given them with others.

Scripture: We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.

Definition: Showing the worth of a person by giving sincere attention to his words.

Sample prayer: Open the eyes of my children to see what you want them to see. Show them where to how, when to look and how long to look. Teach them the perils of letting the guard down and closing their spiritual eyes.

Scripture: You heavens above, rain down righteousness; let the clouds shower it down. Let the earth open wide, let salvation spring up, let righteousness grow with it; I, the LORD , have created it.

Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory. 2 Tim 2:10

Definition: Redeemed from judgment through the blood of Jesus Christ's atonement for their sin.

Sample prayer: Do whatever it takes for our kids to know You personally. Don't allow them to presume You have grand-children, but deal with their sinful nature as soon as they realize they have one, but not before.

Scripture: If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.

Definition: The ability to finalize difficult decisions based on the will and ways of God.

Sample prayer: Give them singleness of mind to do what you expect, but let them be teachable so they can understand how and when You want to do it.

Scripture: But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.

...to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men. Tit 3:2

Definition: Recognizing that God and others are actually responsible for the achievements in my life.

Sample prayer: When my kids are flat on their back, may they look up and see You. Then, will you help them to get up try again. Be their Fortress and Strong Deliverer.

Scripture: Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.

Definition: Using adversity to confirm my commitment to those whom God has called me to serve.

Sample prayer: Give my kids friends that stand by them when they get in trouble; who will tell them the truth even when most will not.

Scripture: Once the crowd realized that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they got into the boats and went to Capernaum in search of Jesus.

The man of integrity walks securely, but he who takes crooked paths will be found out. Pro 10:9

Definition: Structuring my life around what is eternal and cannot be destroyed or taken away.

Sample prayer: May they know Your love and understand salvation is in Your care, not ours. Keep them from concern over things for which they are not responsible.

Scripture: Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

Definition: The tendency to see others through Jesus' forgiveness of Your own sin and not theirs.

Sample prayer: Show them a heart for those who need to know You love them. Make them friendly to those who feel they have nofriend, willing to stand with them and spend time with them.

Scripture: Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.

Definition: Wise use of that which others would normally overlook or discard.

Sample prayer: Help my children learn to use what they have to do the work You call them to do. Like Moses, turn their things into God's things so they can honor You with what they have.

Scripture: So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches?

Definition: Not letting myself or others spend that which is not necessary.

Sample prayer: Teach my kids to make good use of things most people throw away, but keep them from wasting time on things that don't matter to You.

Scripture: Do to others as you would have them do to you.

Definition: Looking at a decision from the viewpoint of everyone involved.

Sample prayer: Teach my children fairness, but keep them from getting caught up in political correctness. In everything, may they see things from Your point of view and act accordingly.

Scripture: Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.

Definition: Ability to anticipate right responses to that which is taking place around me.

Sample prayer: Keep my kids from blind acceptance of anything that doesn't come from you. May Scripture be anchored in their heart and constantly come to their mind 24/7.

Scripture: ... then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose.

Definition: Acceptance of others as unique expressions of specific character qualities in varying degrees of maturity.

Sample prayer: Make my kids tolerant of sinners but intolerant of sin. Teach them the difference I pray.

Scripture: I have no one else like him, who takes a genuine interest in your welfare. For everyone looks out for his own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.

Definition: Making my own schedule and priorities secondary to the wishes of those I am serving.

Sample prayer: Fill their lives with stuff that has spiritual application so they won't miss the opportunity to participate in what you're doing. Keep them from isolating themselves from your word and thereby focusing solely on what they desire. Don't let them sit down too long.

Scripture: ...for acquiring a disciplined and prudent life, doing what is right and just and fair...

Definition: Having the conviction to keep short accounts with God.

Sample prayer: Watch over my children and make sure they don't try to delay confessing sin till a more convenient time. Remind them that sin is harder to recall the longer it's buried.

Scripture: A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit.

You became imitators of us and of the Lord; in spite of severe suffering, you welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. 1 Thes 1:6

Definition: The exultation of my inward being that results from genuine harmony with God and with others.

Sample prayer: Help my kids learn joy by giving them a healthy respect for grief.

Scripture: The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge; the ears of the wise seek it out.

Definition: Knowing what factors will diminish the effectiveness of my work or words if neglected.

Sample prayer:

Scripture: It is not good to have zeal without knowledge, nor to be hasty and miss the way.

Definition: Knowing how important right timing is in accomplishing right actions.

Sample prayer: Make them suspicious of anything the world offers and diligent to apply Scriptural principles to everything they say and do.

Scripture: A prudent man sees danger and takes refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it.

Definition: The ability to avoid words, actions and attitudes that lead to undesirable consequences.

Sample prayer: It's natural for my child to feed his physical nature. I know his friends put pressure on him to do things that don't please you. May he always recall Your word when faced with trying circumstances and find stronger spiritual desires than physical.

Scripture: Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the LORD . There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.

Definition: Awareness of how God is working through the people and events in my life to produce the character of Christ in me.

Sample prayer: Make us true worshipers who treat Your stuff as consecrated and holy, starting with our own body. Give them a passion to please You.

Scripture: Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.

Definition: Joyfully doing what you agreed to do even it it means you may lose something in the process.

Sample prayer: May my child learn to do what he thinks You would do in a given situation. Help him remember what he's promised to do and use his action to demonstrate his regard for them and Your faithfulness to him.

Scripture: For the LORD is righteous, he loves justice; upright men will see his face.

He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
Mic 6:8

Definition: Judging what's right and wrong according to God's standard and not by making a worldly comparison.

Sample prayer: Balance justice and grace in my kid's lives so they stay true to their faith in Jesus Christ, our only hope of true Justice.

Scripture: ...who despises a vile man but honors those who fear the LORD , who keeps his oath even when it hurts...

Definition: Fulfilling what I consented to do even if it means unexpected sacrifice.

Sample prayer: Teach them to be on time and consisent even if it means they must give up something to do so.

Scripture: They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb.

Definition: Realizing that God's word contains everything you need to be answers every concern you have and filling your heart and mind with it.

Sample prayer: Plant Your word in my children's hearts and give them a thirst for more.

Scripture: May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope is in you.

Definition: Earning someone's trust by doing what you promised to do even when it hurts.

Sample prayer: Create in my kids the desire to be godly when no one is looking.

Scripture: Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

Definition: The determination to not wait until later to confess and repent of sin.

Sample prayer: Protect them from the sin that creeps on them and from the sin they drag into their own life. Give them no rest until they confess and repent.

Scripture: Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him.

Definition: Yielding my personal rights and expectations to God.

Sample prayer: Build in my children a desire to use everything they have to honor You. May they learn the secret of releasing it to Your care so they won't spend time and energy worrying about something over which they have no control.

Scripture: My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me.

Definition: To have stronger desire to please God than to accomodate the world.

Sample prayer: Give them a passion for loving You that not only rivals their love for music, but surpasses it and then revolutionizes it to be something pleasing to You.

Scripture: Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples.

Definition: A love for all people and a desire to spread the Gospel to where they live.

Sample prayer: Give my children a love for people of all races and nationalities. Show them the way you want them to be involved and build in them a strong desire to deliver the message - personally or through giving money for someone else to do it.

Scripture: Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.

Definition: Exercising my senses so that I can perceive the true spirit and emotions of those around me.

Sample prayer: Give my children a sensitivity to sin so they won't miss it when it creeps up and pounces on them. Please don't allow them to see more than they should before You can prepare their reaction.

Scripture: Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Definition: Approaching a need, a task, an idea from a new perspective.

Sample prayer: Show them 'new' things that satisfy their curiosity, but keep them from making mistakes that have lasting consequence or make them afraid to try again.

Scripture: Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Definition: Recognizing and doing what needs to be done before I am asked to do it.

Sample prayer: Help my kids see what needs to be done regardless if anyone else notices it or not. Then give them a heart to do what they can without being noticed if possible.

Scripture: So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God.

...for each one should carry his own load. Gal 6:5

Definition: Knowing and doing what both God and others are expecting from me.

Sample prayer: Teach my children to show respect to what's been given them by using it for a noble purpose and returning it better-than-new to its owner.

Scripture: Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.

Definition: Seeking to make friends rather than just fulfil an obligation.

Sample prayer: Teach my kids to know the difference between peace and appeasement. Let them know that Your peace is a relationship and not an agreement. It's not the absence of war, but rather having right relationship with Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace.

Scripture: It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother to fall.

Definition: Limiting my freedom in order not to offend the tastes of those God has called me to serve.

Sample prayer: Teach my kids to surrender their own will when You can use it to build the character of Christ in them or those to whom they surrender it.

Scripture: May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Definition: Having the will to continue even when things make you want to stop.

Sample prayer: Give my children desire to be faithful through hard times by understanding You have a plan and purpose for their life.

Scripture: Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.

Definition: Accepting a difficult situation from God without giving him a deadline to remove it.

Sample prayer: The only way to learn this is by experiencing loss. I ask that learning it not be so hard on them they lose their way and desire. Build patience in them but You can take Your time, Lord.