12 Things Truly Faith-Filled People Do Differently

Some time ago, an article titled “12 Things Truly Confident People Do Differently” was being circulated through our office. This article was hailed as a list of characteristics we should ascribe to have.

Yet, as I read through the list, I felt something crucial was missing. What if the foundation was faith instead of personal achievement?

The article’s premise was that confident people are more successful in life because they inspire others and make things happen.

I believe the most successful people are those faith-filled people who place their trust in God and commit themselves to following Christ.

By living a Spirit-filled, faith-filled life, you are sure to inspire others and make an impact in the world around you – and confidence will flow out of that faith.

You may not be successful by the world’s measure, but you will be successful in the eyes of God.

Let’s take a look at these 12 characteristics through the lens of a faith-filled life.

12 Things Truly Faith-Filled People Do Differently

1) They Get Their Joy From God

Happiness is fleeting and usually dependent on your situation, but joy is a much deeper emotion. Joy comes through tears and smiles, through happy times and sad. Joy comes from faith and trust in God in all things and knowing how much we are loved by our Heavenly Father.

“If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you” – John 15:10-12 (NIV).

2) They Don’t Pass Judgement

Judgment is reserved for God alone. Jesus reminded us of this time and again. Who will be the first to cast a stone? We’re all sinners before God, yet God forgives and redeems us each when we give Him our hearts.

“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” – Luke 6:37 (NIV)

3) They Don’t Say Yes Until They’ve Prayed On It

As we walk closer to God, we learn where He’s gifted us and where we can best serve. We learn that our “no” may be someone else’s “yes.” When asked to do something, we pray first and ask if it’s in line with God’s call on our life or a good use of our gifts and talents. We learn to walk forward with God’s guidance on when to answer “yes” and when to say “no.”

Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” – Isaiah 30:21 (NIV)

4) They Listen More Than They Speak

Listening is crucial to the faithful. We listen to God speaking in our lives. We listen to each other in compassion, learning, and friendship. Listening keeps us focused on others and encourages us to speak thoughtful words, instead of brash emotional ones.

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. .- James 1:19 (NIV)

5) They Speak With Certainty

As Christians, we have a lot to speak about. We have an amazing God who works wonders of healing, redemption, and forgiveness in our lives. We need to speak with certainty and boldness about our faith and share that good news with others. The Holy Spirit equips us with words, boldness, and certainty if we’ll just put our trust in Him.

The Lord said to him [Moses], “Who gave human beings their mouths? Who makes them deaf or mute? Who gives them sight or makes them blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.” – Exodus 4:11-12 (NIV)

6) They Celebrate Small Victories

We know God doesn’t only provide big victories, but small miracles and answered prayers all around us. We celebrate and praise the small along with the big. We praise God for the sunrise and for the found keys, just as we praise Him for the healed friend and the restored marriage. We even praise Him when His answer is “no,” because we learn closed doors eventually lead us to better open ones.

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)

7) They Take Care Of Themselves

Our bodies are God’s temple and His creation. We are called to take care of them and treat them with respect and reverence. This may mean exercising, eating healthy, and saying “no” to things that aren’t good for our bodies.

Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who I in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies. – 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (NIV)

8) They Don’t Seek Attention

Jesus taught us to be servant leaders. Those who are first will be last. We are called to be humble leaders, not seeking attention for attention’s sake, but leading with gentleness and respect for others.

“Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first just be your slave – just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” – Matthew 20:26-28 (NIV)

9) They Aren’t Afraid To Be Wrong

Making mistakes and wrong turns is part of being human. Yet, when we live a faith-filled life, we know God is at work in us even through our mistakes. In fact, it’s through those mistakes and wrong turns that He’s often most at work refining us; building our character, teaching us perseverance, and showing us hope comes from relying on Him in all things.

Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. – Romans 5:3-5 (NIV)

10) They Stick Their Neck Out

When faith-filled people feel God has placed an opportunity before them, they boldly step forward, trusting that the Holy Spirit will guide and equip them. They aren’t fearful or worried, because they know God is in charge.

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. – Joshua 1:9 (NIV)

11) They Celebrate Other People

Jesus taught that the second greatest commandment was to “love your neighbor as yourself.” We are to love everyone, even our enemies. We are to reach out with compassion and a servant’s heart to those in need. We are to build up those around us, not tear them down.

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. – 1 Thessalonians 5:11

12) They Aren’t Afraid To Ask For Help

Not only are faith-filled people not afraid to ask for help, they seek help from God first before they step out on their own. Faith-filled people know to go to God first in prayer and ask for His help in all things.

Jesus replied, “Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but you also can say to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and it will be done. If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.” – Matthew 21:21-22 (NIV)

How Are You Living a Spirit-Filled, Faith-Filled Life?

Living a faith-filled life is always a work-in-progress, a life-long journey. We’ll never perfect all these things, but we can use them as our guide. Let these be a reminder that living a life focused on Jesus and trying our best to follow his teachings will lead to a life that inspires others and impacts the world.

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:4-7 (NIV)