Christian Character

“We rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, endurance produces character and character produces hope.” Romans 5 v 3,4

This is Day 4 of the PUYB 7 day series on the spiritual blessings we have in our redemption through Christ. The fourth blessing we are promised is Christ -like character.

No matter who you are, in this world you will experience suffering. Pain spares no one. It is a fact of life. Reading this might immediately bring to your mind experiences that were near unbearable for you. The suffering and pain that changed you forever. Intense experiences in our lives tend to do that to us. The effect it has on one could vary. Bitterness and anger rule in some. Strength and a fighting spirit define others.

For the believer, enduring suffering with Christ by your side changes you to the very core. In your suffering He begins a work in you. He is sculpting away the parts of you that do not come from Him. He is molding and shaping that which remains, even adding to it, to build in you a character like His. Does this suddenly make experiencing suffering easier? No. It does not. However, in knowing that there is a set purpose to everything you go through (we talked about this yesterday), you rejoice in your suffering because Christ is working out that purpose.

Jesus, for the joy set before him, endured the cross (Hebrews 12 v2). Christ knew that his suffering would fulfill its set purpose which was the reconciliation of mankind with it’s Creator. He also knew that beyond his suffering was a reunion with His Father. This is the character of Christ – one that doesn’t let suffering take the center stage. To Him, suffering was the means to accomplish His purpose.

Having Christ-like character prevents your suffering from becoming bigger than you and overcoming you. Christ-like character enables us to endure much for that which lies beyond. In your suffering remember that you are not alone – Christ is with you. Remember also, that the night does not last forever. Darkness must give way to light. The morning shall come and when you step out into the light, you will be more like Christ.