January 11, 2018

Character Building

I suppose it’s because I’m getting older that I find myself surrounded with friends, loved ones and fellow believers who have failing health. Cancer, blindness, old age, stroke, exacerbation of MS and then there are those suffering from the side effects of their medication. I recently realized my focus is all wrong. I see physical suffering, but I’ve been remiss in looking for the fruit produced by suffering. Paul said, “And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. 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” (Ro 5:2b-5 NIV).

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