How to Build Strong Character
Paul, the author of the letter to the Romans, frequently encouraged the believers in Rome amidst the persecution and adversity they were experiencing. The first half of Paul’s letter corrects some of their thinking, while the second half is focused on their character and actions.
In Romans 12, Paul is encouraging the believers to let love be the primary motivation for everything they do. When love is the foundation of who they are, then God can renew and transform every area of life. When they allow God to transform their character, that's when they're able to be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer.
Christians have a unique hope—we know that Jesus is victorious over evil and will one day return to make everything right. This means that we can have hope in the midst of suffering or difficult times.
Paul knew that affliction produces steadfast character within us. When we choose to endure through suffering, Jesus forms strength and confidence within us that we couldn’t attain otherwise.
But perseverance through affliction also requires constant communication with the One who transforms us through His love. Prayer is a vital part of this. It is the primary way we communicate with God, and it’s also a part of how the Holy Spirit strengthens us when we're following Jesus.
These three things create within us a stronger character in life. They mold us into the image of Jesus—who was joyful in hope, patient in suffering, and faithful in prayer. So, take some time to think of a few ways that you can become more like Jesus today.
“These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee: as thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do. And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was. I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word. Now they have known that all things whatsoever thou hast given me are of thee. For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me. I pray for ...
“Hear, ye deaf; and look, ye blind, that ye may see. Who is blind, but my servant? or deaf, as my messenger that I sent? who is blind as he that is perfect, and blind as the LORD's servant? Seeing many things, but thou observest not; opening the ears, but he heareth not. The LORD is well pleased for his righteousness' sake; he will magnify the law, and make it honourable. But this is a people robbed and spoiled; they are all of them snared in holes, and they are hid in prison houses: they are for a prey, and none delivereth; for a spoil, and none saith, Restore. Who among you will give ear to this? who will hearken and hear for the time to come? Who gave Jacob for a spoil, and Israel to the robbers? did not the LORD, he against whom we have sinned? for they would not walk in his ways, neither were they obedient unto his law. Therefore he hath poured upon him the fury of his anger, and the strength of battle: and it hath set him on fire round about, yet he knew not; and it burned him, ...