Perfect Love

“Not only that; let us exult too, in our hardships, understanding that hardship develops perseverance and perseverance develops a tested character and a hope which will not let us down, because the love of God has been poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit which has been given to us.” (Romans 5: 3 -5)

Exult in my hardships? This seems a tough advice to take. Yet, it is worthy to note how many times in the Bible we find such advice. This passage goes on to teach that if we endure our hardship, we develop perseverance. When we practice perseverance day after day in our trial, the result is a tested character and a hope that will not disappoint. If all this seems impossible for man, the last sentence in the above scripture states why it is true. The Holy Spirit has poured the love of God into our hearts. Perfect love not only drives out fear but makes all things possible.

Spirit and love
Spirit and patience
Spirit and hope