Rejoice

And not only that, but we also rejoice in our afflictions, because we know that affliction produces endurance, endurance produces character, and proven character produces hope.
This hope will not disappoint us, because God's love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. Romans 5:3-5

Do you know many hopeless? I do! Perhaps they do not understand: ' rejoice in afflictions'.

What is Paul saying? Rejoice in all circumstances: good and bad. It is easy to rejoice when things are good, how can I rejoice when things are bad?

I rejoice that my God loves me and gave Himself for me; I rejoice that He houses, feeds and clothes me; I rejoice that He sees the end and as I persevere I will receive His reward. I rejoice that He comforts me, protects me, counsels me. I rejoice that eternity is mine.

We have so much to rejoice about, if we look with eyes of gratitude and not complaining. For if we do this then we produce hope in our lives and as verse 5 tells me: 'this hope will not disappoint me.'

Apart from hope endurance produces character. I know I would rather speak to a person of character than a hopeless, complainer. How about you?

Rejoice!

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