Suffering produces perseverance, perseverance character and character hope…
Romans 5:3
This is one of my favorite bible verses. It makes me think of two things that help me as a Christian. The first is that it reminds me that everyone is walking around with some kind of negative issues in their life. Weather it is family, illness or job related, everyone has issues and this verse reminds me to think of what other people are dealing with before I am too quick to judge.
It helps me offer to be kind first. Also, it helps me understand people for more than meets the eye, because regardless how someone’s outward appearance may be, they are still carrying quite a load.
The other thing this verse does for me is to help me to accept the things in my life that I may not be able to change. I realize there are things in my life that I would like differently, but I know I may have no power to change them. Therefore, I accept them as they are and try to continue to persevere with God’s help.
I know perseverance will build character and eventually hope. I know I may not be able to break my circumstances right now, but I will work everyday to be a better Christian, husband and father. I have faith and hope that if I work hard, someday these circumstances may change. For God is with me Always! God’s Peace.
Jim Boyle