~Character Does Matter - to You and God! Part II

A person of character...exemplifies the following:

Fairness

Justice

DO: Be fair and just • Treat people equally • Make decisions without favoritism or prejudice • In imposing punishment be sure the consequences for wrongdoing are consistent, certain, and proportional (not too harsh or lenient)

DON’T: Take more than your fair share • Take advantage of or blame others unfairly

Openness

DO: Be open-minded and impartial — consider what people have to say before you decide • Be careful — get the facts, including opposing viewpoints, before making decisions (especially blaming or accusing another)

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Caring

Concern for Others

DO: Be compassionate and empathetic • Be kind, loving, and considerate • Be thankful and express gratitude for what people do for you • Forgive others for their shortcomings

DON’T: Be mean, cruel or insensitive

Charity

DO: Be charitable and altruistic — give money, time, support, and comfort for the sake of making someone else’s life better, not for praise or gratitude • Help people in need

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Citizenship

Do Your Share

DO: Be a good citizen and a good neighbor • Care about and pursue the common good • Be a volunteer — help your school and community be better, cleaner, and safer • Protect the environment by conserving resources, reducing pollution, and cleaning up after yourself • Participate in making things better by voicing your opinion, voting, serving on committees, reporting wrongdoing and paying taxes

Respect Authority and the Law

DO: Play by the rules • Obey parents, teachers, coaches, and others who have been given authority • Observe just laws • Honor and respect principles of democracy


Excerpt from http://www.charactercounts.org/