What a Character!

Romans 5
v.3 We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance.
v.4 And endurance develops strength of character, and character* strengthens our confident hope of salvation.
v.5 And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because He has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with His love.

Perseverance is inspiring! When we try to live a Christ-honoring life while experiencing hardship, even though it can leave us frustrated and discouraged, it can bring a sense of blessing and encouragement to the lives of those watching. They see the difficulty we face, they know the limits of their own strength, and they recognize the empowering we receive when we depend on God to help us through our difficulties, even when we can't see the resolution to our problems.

Ephesians 4:3 using diligence to keep the unity of the Spirit in the uniting bond of peace.

God uses each experience in our lives, the joy and the sorrow, the the danger and the safety, the difficulty and the success, the hardship and the blessing, to build the bonds of unity between us through the fellowship of our common lot, and His love that we each partake of through His Spirit and His Word.

1 Peter 3:8 But the conclusion is that you should all be in harmony; suffer with those who are suffering, love one another, be merciful and humble.

As we experience the commonality of the events of our lives, we can bring support, and comfort, and encouragement, and hope to those who need it, from our stores of experienced grace, love, and mercy, in all humility and service.

*Character: the mental and moral qualities distinctive to an individual; the way someone thinks, feels, and behaves; the combination of qualities or features that distinguishes one person, or group, from another.

Enduring, persisting, continuing, eternal Father, thank You that we partake of Your nature as we draw closer to You, as we persist in our daily, step-by-step obedience to Your directions in our choices. Thank You, Lord, that as we keep our eyes and hearts and thoughts focused on Your work for us and in us, that You arrange for our witness, our trust and faith and dependence in and on You to be seen and known by those who need it. Only in eternity can we know the full story of how You have used our struggles to strengthen others, how You have received glory, praise, honor, worship, exaltation, and magnification because of the work of Your hand in our lives. We yield our selves to You to be used as You choose, for You are worthy of it all.

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