Character

Romans 5:3-5 (NLT)
3 We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. 4 And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. 5 And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.

The apostle explains the fruits of our justification in Christ. Though we will still face problems and trials in our Christian walk these are meant to develop us and mold us. As we work through these problems we build character that comes from endurance and confidence in our salvation. Our character becomes who we are in Christ and we understand how deeply God loves us.

Our character contains many qualities and traits. Our character defines who we are and is the aggregate of features and traits that form our individual nature. We may have a high standard of moral and ethical quality that says we are a great people of honorable character. We may live by traits such as integrity, honesty and courage that are deeply rooted in who we are. Character is not the same as reputation. Character is the truth we know about ourselves while reputation is what others know about us. A reputation is seen by the public, while character is consistent even in the most hidden places. God knows our character and He strengthens us so our character may match the reputation we have in front of others. Pray God would continue to develop our character through all trials and troubles so that our reputation may also stand firm.