C H A R A C T E R

Romans 5:3-4

All of us have things in our lives that require perseverance.  Whether it's suffering, pain from injuries, broken relationships or other pains; when we persevere through these things we find a great product.  Character is the result of a life of perseverance.

The Apostle Paul writes to his friends in Rome at chapter 5 and verse 4, "Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.  And hope does not disappoint us because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us."

Persevering through tough times is like a precious metal being refined by fire.  The fire purifies the metal as impurities are liquefied and skimmed off.  Perseverance removes the impurities, the excess baggage, the junk from our lives, producing character as its reward.  Paul tells us that perseverance produces character.  Persevere in today's competition and reap the reward of outstanding character.

Bible Reading Plan:
John 6:41-59
I Peter 3:13-22
Song of Solomon 5