In the context of biblical teachings, "dispositions" refer to the inherent qualities of mind and character that influence an individual's behavior and attitudes. The Bible provides numerous insights into the nature of human dispositions and their impact on spiritual life, moral conduct, and relationships with God and others.

Human Nature and Dispositions

The Bible acknowledges the complexity of human nature, recognizing both the potential for good and the propensity for sin. In Genesis 6:5 , it is written, "Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great upon the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was altogether evil all the time." This verse highlights the fallen nature of humanity and the natural disposition towards sinfulness.

Transformation of Dispositions

Scripture emphasizes the transformative power of God's grace in altering human dispositions. In Ezekiel 36:26 , God promises, "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh." This transformation is further elaborated in the New Testament, where believers are encouraged to adopt the mind of Christ. Philippians 2:5 states, "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus."

Fruits of the Spirit

The Apostle Paul outlines the dispositions that should characterize a believer's life in Galatians 5:22-23 : "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control." These virtues are the result of the Holy Spirit's work in a believer, contrasting with the "acts of the flesh" mentioned earlier in the chapter.

Renewal of the Mind

The renewal of the mind is a key theme in the New Testament, emphasizing the importance of aligning one's dispositions with God's will. Romans 12:2 instructs, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God." This renewal involves a conscious effort to reject worldly influences and embrace a Christ-centered mindset.

Humility and Meekness

Humility and meekness are highly valued dispositions in the Bible. Jesus Himself exemplified these qualities, as seen in Matthew 11:29 : "Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." Believers are called to emulate Christ's humility, recognizing their dependence on God and serving others selflessly.

Anger and Self-Control

The Bible warns against negative dispositions such as anger and lack of self-control. James 1:19-20 advises, "My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, for man's anger does not bring about the righteousness that God desires." Self-control is essential for maintaining righteous conduct and is listed as a fruit of the Spirit.

Love as the Supreme Disposition

Above all, love is presented as the supreme disposition that should govern a believer's life. In 1 Corinthians 13:13 , Paul writes, "And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love; but the greatest of these is love." Love is the foundation of all other virtues and is the defining characteristic of a true follower of Christ.

Conclusion

The Bible provides a comprehensive framework for understanding and cultivating godly dispositions. Through the work of the Holy Spirit, believers are empowered to transform their natural inclinations and develop a character that reflects the image of Christ.

Implanted Dispositions.
... First Chapter. SANCTIFICATION. IX. Implanted Dispositions. "Perfecting
holiness in the fear of the Lord.""2 Corinthians 7:1. To ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/ix implanted dispositions.htm

Proper Dispositions for the Communion.
... RELIGIOUS EXULTATION. 676. " Proper Dispositions for the Communion. 676. CM E. Taylor.
Proper Dispositions for the Communion. 1 O here, if ever, God of love! ...
/.../adams/hymns for christian devotion/676 proper dispositions for.htm

Whether the Intellectual Soul is United to the Body through the ...
... OF THE UNION OF BODY AND SOUL (EIGHT ARTICLES) Whether the intellectual soul is
united to the body through the medium of accidental dispositions? ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the intellectual soul is 2.htm

Superiors Ought Carefully to Examine the Dispositions of those ...
... SOLITUDE AND A RELIGIOUS PROFESSION. CHAPTER VIII. Superiors ought carefully to
examine the dispositions of those that they admit to religion.? Sec. ...
/.../chapter viii superiors ought carefully.htm

Children May be Found of Like or of Unlike Dispositions with their ...
... Book II. Chapter 10 [VI.]"Children May Be Found of Like or of Unlike
Dispositions with Their Parents. Then, again, how ineptly ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 10 vi children may be.htm

God by his Wonderful Power Works in Our Hearts Good Dispositions ...
... A Treatise on the grace of christ, and on original sin, Chapter 25 [XXIV.]"God by
His Wonderful Power Works in Our Hearts Good Dispositions of Our Will. ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 25 xxiv god by his.htm

Objections to the Narrative Drawn from the Subsequent Dispositions ...
... Objections to the Narrative drawn from the subsequent Dispositions of Christ's
Relatives, answered (1) from the nature of the case; (2) from the name Jesus. ...
/.../section 11 objections to the.htm

Whether There is a Habit in the Body?
... Objection 2: Further, all bodily dispositions are easy to change. ... Objection
3: Further, all bodily dispositions are subject to change. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether there is a habit.htm

Whether Many Habits Can be in one Power?
... I answer that, As stated above ([1485]Q[49], A[4]), habits are dispositions of a
thing that is in potentiality to something, either to nature, or to operation ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether many habits can be.htm

Commonly those Only are Said to Aspire to Perfection that ...
... of natural devotion, and is to be found even in heretics, yea, Jews and heathens;
and this more or less according to their several dispositions and corporal ...
/.../chapter ii commonly those only.htm

Dispositions (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Dispositions (2 Occurrences). Romans 1:29 being
filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, covetousness ...
/d/dispositions.htm - 7k

Disposition (3 Occurrences)

/d/disposition.htm - 8k

Dispossess (44 Occurrences)

/d/dispossess.htm - 21k

Man (26072 Occurrences)
... He was created with holy dispositions, prompting him to holy actions; but he was
fallible, and did fall from his integrity (3:1-6). (see FALL.). Man of sin. ...
/m/man.htm - 56k

Joash (49 Occurrences)
... of the king. In these dispositions both the royal body-guard and the Levites
seem to have had their parts. Jehoash next appears ...
/j/joash.htm - 41k

Line (131 Occurrences)
... 32. (n.) A trench or rampart. 33. (n.) Dispositions made to cover extended positions,
and presenting a front in but one direction to an enemy. 34. ...
/l/line.htm - 43k

Whoredom (58 Occurrences)
... been filled with all unrighteousness, whoredom, wickedness, covetousness, malice;
full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil dispositions; whisperers, (YLT). ...
/w/whoredom.htm - 24k

Fruit (318 Occurrences)
... The fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22, 23; Ephesians 5:9; James 3:17, 18) are
those gracious dispositions and habits which the Spirit produces in those in ...
/f/fruit.htm - 40k

Evil-minded (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (a.) Having evil dispositions or intentions; disposed
to mischief or sin; malicious; malignant; wicked. Multi-Version Concordance ...
/e/evil-minded.htm - 6k

Ethics
... of action. It has to do with life or personality in its inward dispositions,
outward manifestations and social relations. It was ...
/e/ethics.htm - 70k

How can I stop being a grumpy Christian? | GotQuestions.org

What are the seven cardinal virtues? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about homosexuality? | GotQuestions.org

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus