How can I develop greater character?

Deuteronomy 8:2“Remember how the Lord your God led you through the wilderness for these forty years, humbling you and testing you to prove your character, and to find out whether or not you would obey his commands.”

James 1:2-4When troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.

You are not born with godly character; it is developed through experience—by facing daily challenges and choosing wisely, by overcoming tests of adversity, by resisting temptation, and by your daily commitment to know God better through prayer, Bible reading, and good teaching.

Luke 11:9“And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.”

2 Corinthians 4:8We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair.

Philippians 1:9I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding.

1 Peter 4:19So if you are suffering in a manner that pleases God, keep on doing what is right, and trust your lives to the God who created you, for he will never fail you.

Developing character is like developing any other skill. You must practice. Keep on doing what is good and right, and constantly practice character traits like kindness, generosity, compassion, and honesty. What you value most is usually what you will work hardest to attain.