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Romans 5:4a
We learned in Romans 5:3 that tribulations produce perseverance, not that we enjoy going through the tribulations, but without them we would never learn to persevere when the going gets tough. Today we learn in Romans 5:4a that through perseverance our character is developed. Character as defined by Merriam-Webster is, “a distinguishing feature: ATTRIBUTE: the complex of mental and ethical traits marking a person or group.” So through perseverance which is derived from standing tall through tribulations is the development of our personal character, which also would include by definition a group such as the Church/Christian in being the body of Christ.
This is a promise and example of what and how we are distinguished as Christians/the Church/the body of Christ; of our character and how it is produced – in Christ.
Jesus suffered through tribulations and died for our sins. He persevered, and this is reflective of His character. Jesus tells us in John 15:18-20d (ESV), “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you.”
Dear LORD,
We are beginning to see why You allow us to go through the tribulations of this world in that it brings us closer to You as we learn to persevere in Christ as our solid rock to help us through these tough times. We learn today that this produces our character and that our character should be reflective of our Savior Jesus. We don’t enjoy going through tribulations, but we will enjoy beyond our imagination the reward You will give us in heaven for standing tall for Jesus. Thank You LORD. Please give us strength to continue standing tall for Jesus that our lives will be reflective of Him. In Jesus name I pray, amen.