Ten Characteristics of Jesus Christ and How to Develop Them

To be faithful is to hope for and act on things which are not seen, which are true (Alma 32:21). Jesus Christ did all things by faith in God. He even performed mighty miracles such as walking on water.

He asks us to show faith in Him and His purposes by trusting Him and keeping His commandments.

We can communicate directly with our Father in Heaven through prayer. Jesus Christ prayed often for his friends and enemies. He also prayed for help during trials. Through prayer, we can have access to that same divine assistance. We can follow the Savior’s example by praying daily, expressing thanks and seeking heavenly help.

The Savior was always patient with His disciples as they learned how to follow Him. He is also patient with us as we figure things out on our own time. We can follow His example by exercising patience with others and ourselves in our efforts to improve.

Jesus Christ loves everyone with a perfect love. We can show love to others each day through small and simple acts of kindness. Each time we reach out to another in love, we reflect the pure love of Christ.

To be humble is to gratefully recognize our constant need for God’s support. Jesus is our greatest example of humility. He always acknowledged that His strength came from God, saying, “I can of my own self do nothing. ... I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me” (John 5:30). We can humble ourselves by trusting in God and gratefully looking to Him for help.

The Savior was perfectly obedient to all of God’s commandments. He promises, “If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love” (John 15:10). We become more obedient one good choice at a time, as we strive to follow God’s commandments and repent whenever we fall short.

Jesus Christ always “went about doing good” (Acts 10:38). He healed the sick, befriended sinners, and taught His gospel to everyone. To be like Him, we should open our eyes and hearts to the needs of others and seek to give meaningful service each day.

Jesus Christ is pure and virtuous. If we are to try to be virtuous like the Savior, we must do our best to avoid sin and repent often. No matter your past, choose to live virtuously today.

In the New Testament, we read that from early on in His life, “Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man” (Luke 2:52). Wisdom comes to all of us little by little. We can increase in wisdom by studying the scriptures and praying for understanding.

Even while He was suffering on the cross, Jesus said, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). God wants us to sincerely forgive those who have wronged us. Though this can be difficult, it frees us and allows us to find peace and mercy. God will help us find the strength to forgive others.