Character

Romans 5:3-5; James 1:2-4

Just as the writer(s) of Psalm 42 managed to praise in the midst of despair, so does Paul command the early Christians in Rome to rejoice in the midst of their sufferings. But more than simply jumping from praise to hope, Paul explains the journey one must take between the two. A journey that relies on the refining of one’s character. James compares this process to the testing of silver, where a silversmith would rid the metal of impurities till he could see his own reflection. As Christians, we must remember that the trials of this life are testing us as silver, and we eagerly await the day when the Silversmith can see His own reflection. 

Questions for further thought:
1. Paul and James both speak of perseverance. Why is perseverance used to understand character?
2. What must a Christian persevere in to become “mature and complete”?  

​Challenge: Look back on your own life and determine a period of time to examine. What were your praise habits in this time? How much did you reflect God in the beginning of this period compared to the end?