30 Qualities Found in the Heart Being Changed by God

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Can people tell you follow Jesus just by looking? What does a changed heart look like? 30 Qualities in a Heart Being Changed by God - Counting My #Blessings #Faith #Jesus

If you didn’t actually speak words telling someone you’re a Christian, would they be able to tell just by watching that you’re a follower of Jesus and being changed by God?

I’m not asking if you tell them which church you attend or if you invite them to join you next Sunday, I’m inviting you to join me as I do a little heart check.

Jesus told the people who followed Him…

From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Change your hearts and lives, because the kingdom of heaven is near.” Matthew 4:17 (NLT)

And Paul said, it is the Spirit who makes it happen.

All of us, then, reflect the glory of the Lord with uncovered faces; and that same glory, coming from the Lord, who is the Spirit, transforms us into His likeness in an ever greater degree of glory. 2 Corinthians 3:18 (NLT)

That is good news! We need to change but by God’s grace, we’re not alone in our efforts … the Holy Spirit is at work in us.

But I still wonder…

How do I know if my heart is really changing?
Can my coworkers, friends, and family tell my heart is changing?
Can strangers with whom I cross paths see Jesus in me?

Do changed hearts really show themselves in changed lives?

It’s time to go where I always go when I want answers…

Can people tell you follow Jesus just by looking? What does a changed heart look like? 30 Qualities in a Heart Being Changed by God - Counting My #Blessings #Faith #Jesus

30 Qualities Found in the Heart Being Changed by God

1. Love for God and Others

Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” Matthew 22:37–39 (NLT)

2. Child-like Faith that Trusts God and His Word

So Jesus called a child to come and stand in front of them, and said, “I assure you that unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the Kingdom of heaven. Matthew 18:2–3 (GNT)

3. Shows Compassion and Kindness Toward Others

Jesus said, “You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate.” Luke 6:36 (NLT)

4. Is Content In All Circumstances

Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it. 1 Timothy 6:6–7 (NLT)

5. Courageous and Strong When Life is Hard

Be alert. Continue strong in the faith. Have courage, and be strong. Do everything in love. 1  Corinthians 16:13–14 (NCV)

6. Faithful to Follow Jesus’ Teachings

Jesus said to the people who believed in Him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31–32 (NLT)

7. Forgiven by God and Forgiving of Others

 Instead, be kind to each other, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. Ephesians 4:32 (NLT)

8. Shows Gentleness and Patience 

Always be humble, gentle, and patient, accepting each other in love. Ephesians 4:2 (NCV)

9. Is Genuine and Sincere 

Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Romans 12:10 (NLT)

10. Responds to Evil with Good

Do not let evil defeat you, but defeat evil by doing good. Romans 12:21 (NCV)

11. Is Gracious because God has been Gracious

 Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and He will grant you His blessing. 1 Peter 3:9 (NLT)

12. Remains Hopeful through Trials

 Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. Romans 12:12 (NLT)

13. Lives Humbly before God and Others

 Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. Philippians 2:3–4 (NLT)

14. Follows the Lord Even When No One is Watching

Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the Lord. Psalm 119:1 (NLT)

15. Finds Joy in Jesus Even When Life is Hard

Always be joyful. 1 Thessalonians 5:16 (NLT)

16. Is Fair and Just with Everyone 

God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied. Matthew 5:6

Can people tell you follow Jesus just by looking? What does a changed heart look like? 30 Qualities in a Heart Being Changed by God - Counting My #Blessings #Faith #Jesus

17. Shows Consistent Kindness to Others

Since God chose you to be the holy people He loves, you must clothe yourselves with tender-hearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Colossians 3:12 (NLT)

18. Shows Mercy because God has Shown them Mercy

God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Matthew 5:7 (NLT)

19. Knows God’s Commands and Obeys with the Help of the Holy Spirit

“If you love me, obey my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. John 14:15–16 (NLT)

20. Makes Peace a Priority

Dear friends, while you are waiting for these things to happen, make every effort to be found living peaceful lives that are pure and blameless in His sight. 2 Peter 3:14 (NLT)

21. Never Stops Believing

You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised. Hebrews 10:36 (NLT)

22. Trusts God’s Will One Day at a Time

He is working in you. God is helping you obey Him. God is doing what He wants done in you. Philippians 2:13 (NLT)

23. Spends Time with Others

Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God. 1 John 4:7 (NLT)

24. Shares the Truth with Gentleness and Respect

Worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. But do this in a gentle and respectful way. 1 Peter 3:15–16a (NLT)

25. Takes Responsibility for Words and Actions and Repents When Wrong

Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else. For we are each responsible for our own conduct. Galatians 6:4–5 (NLT)

26. With God’s Help Maintains Self-Control

The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Galatians 5:22–23 (NLT)

27. Lives with Thankfulness and Shows Gratitude

And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. Colossians 3:15 (NLT)

28. Is Helpful and Encouraging

Let everything you say be good and helpful so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. Ephesians 4:29 (NLT)

29. Speaks the Truth – Is Trustworthy

So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body. Ephesians 4:32 (NLT)

30. Enjoys a Life of Freedom – Loving God and Others

We have freedom now because Christ made us free. God called you to be free, but do not use your freedom as an excuse to do what pleases your sinful self. Serve each other with love. Galatians 5:1,13 (NCV)

What a blessing to know that God is able to change surrendered hearts and lives.

But this is important…

Changed by God hearts and lives aren’t perfect. They simply trust and love God promised to continue the work He has started in them when they first believed.

And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue His work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. Philippians 1:6 (NLT)

As I read through that list, I know there are so many areas where I fall short. So, I will faithfully repent, trust, and turn to the One who is changing my heart.

What do you think? Do changed hearts change lives?

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9 Comments

  1. What a wonderful way to start my morning, Deb! Thank you for sharing this amazing Scripture and reminding us that our hearts may not be perfect, but God is ever working in and through us that one day we just might be.
    Blessings!

  2. Loved these, Deb! Thank you so much for this. I’ll be sharing!

  3. Beautifully said, I love that they are all scriptures, the Word of God is good. Thank you for putting together such a great list, it is a good refresher/ reminder of what God is doing in my life. It is so encouraging to see where I am growing and helpful to see where I may need to focus on more. Many Thanks! 8)

  4. April Boyer says:

    What a wonderful list! God’s word is amazing, and guides us every step of the way! I almost stumbled when I got to #23. 🙂 “Spend time with others”. How will others know we have changed lives if we never show our faces outside of work/school and home? How will unsaved friends or acquaintances learn about God if we never associate with anyone but the “church ladies” ? This speaks of our need to be hospitable, and of sharing what we have. Thanks for the lesson/reminder Deb! and for the blessings!

  5. I love these! How great it would be to take each one and soak in them for a daily meditation. How could you not be changed after a month of being transformed by TRUTH! thanks

  6. Julie Sunne says:

    This is a wonderful list, Deb! Thank you for your encouraging word and assurance that God transforms and then uses the transformed heart. God bless you! your #livefreeThursday neighbor

  7. Hmmm, that’s a great question, Deb. Would people know by our actions that we’ve been changed by Christ? Oh I pray so. Great list but I am so working on #4.

  8. This post was so encouraging! Thank you so much! I see where I am improving, but I have a long way to go. All these verses washed over me with feelings of hope and peace! That is such a gift! Thank you!

  9. Thank you for this post. It was a blessing.