Character and Hope

God connects hope to our character – our integrity.  That’s worth my time to ponder when I see my circumstances as bleak.

…but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.

Romans 5:3-5 NIV

Hope or a lack of it, God shows, is an attitude issue. Ever feel bugged about someone else’s attitude? Or your own? I know sometimes I get on my own nerves in this area.

So, I could use more integrity, more character, and more hope from time to time. Am I alone in this? I doubt it. Still, while it’s good to evaluate my attitudes honestly, I need to remember the hope I really have been given.

So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all the same testings we do, yet did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.

Hebrews 4:14-16 NLT

God acknowledges our trials and difficulties. Yet, I want to hold onto the eternal perspective that Christ rescued me from the consequences of my own mistakes, not always easy in a visibly broken world. I want to hold onto the attitude that helps me remember the reward of Heaven, the reward of purpose, the reward of life with God. A life of character and hope? Yes, please. 

©Copyright 2012 Helene Bergren All rights reserved.