5 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only so, but we[c] also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
Romans 5:1-5
The Apostle Paul was a master of psychology and theology. These five verses take us through exactly how we are saved through how it should make us feel. When we first become believers and are Baptized we feel fresh and clean. Later, though, our (especially us ladies) minds go back to the past. Regret sets in and many walk through life in shame, feeling and acting defensive. Defensiveness is invisible to the defensive but to others it is a sure sign that they can be further abused. Thus is why many women end up in the same kind of relationships that they were trying so hard to avoid.
In these five versus Paul cleverly gives us the answer to this common problem. He shows us that suffering leads to perseverance. We do not need to stay in suffering. Suffering happens then we move on. We find a way to put the past behind us. One way is to get rid of things, clothing or pictures that remind us of the past. Once this is done we persevere.
The definition of perseverance is
1.steady persistence in a course of action, a purpose, a state, etc., especially in spite of difficulties, obstacles, or discouragement.
2Theology. continuance in a state of grace to the end, leading to eternal salvation.
Perseverance means do something. Do something meaningful with purpose. It is hard to stay in suffering if we are moving forward, doing something.
It has been proven that those who move around and exercise on a regular basis are happier and healthier. We persevere. We keep moving and doing no matter what the circumstances.
Perseverance leads to character. This is not talking about Mickey Mouse or Harry Potter. Character used to mean the way in which a person was in regards to their integrity, morality, honesty, kindness, understanding the plights of others, compassion.
Character leads to hope. This goes along with know thy self. If we know and believe in our own character then we have a hope that we will not be fooled and tricked into abandoning Jesus Christ therefore we have the hope of glory.
My favorite part is that Hope does not put us to shame because Jesus gifted his love to us through the Holy Spirit. Love knows no shame, regret or worry!
If you are suffering today. Take a deep breath and persevere. I promise that your more fully devoped character will come to the point of hope and feel love from the Holy Spirit. In the end you will be able to walk through Life with joy and peace no matter what your circumstances.
