Building Godly Character

OPENING ILLUSTRATION: There is a story told among the Cherokee Indians…

One evening an old Cherokee Indian told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people. He said, "My son, the battle is between 2 wolves.

One is Evil. It is anger, envy, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, lies, false pride, and ego.

The other is Good. It is joy, peace, love, hope, kindness, generosity, truth, compassion and faith.

The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather, "Which wolf wins?"

The old Cherokee simply replied, "The one you feed the most."

? We create our character by the choices we make.

INTRODUCTION: Today, we gather around a very challenging yet liberating truth found in the Word of God. In a scripture passage that seems almost paradoxical, we find a divine strategy for growth—a sacred blueprint for the soul's maturation. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Romans, offers a perspective that cuts against the grain of human inclination. Romans 5:3-4 says: “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.”

This principle runs counter to what the world tells us. Our culture often tells us to avoid suffering at any cost, to seek pleasure and ease above all else. But Paul's message is different. He does not simply suggest but declares with the authority of heavenly insight that suffering is not without purpose. In these verses, Paul lays out a divine chain reaction that begins with our suffering and leads us to hope—through the strengthening of our character. As Christians, we are not exempt from difficulties. In God's kingdom, character is currency.

This passage reminds us that character is not something we are born with—it’s something we build over time, one trial at a time, in partnership with God. The process isn’t easy, and it’s rarely comfortable. But the transformation that takes place within us has eternal value. God can use even the hardest moments in our lives to develop us into more faithful, compassionate, and resilient people—people who reflect His image and demonstrate His love to the world.

The journey from tribulation to triumph is not for the faint of heart. It requires faith, trust, and a radical reassessment of our trials. Building character is not a casual undertaking—it is a holy construction project sanctified by the Master Builder Himself.

So, wherever you are today—whether you are in a season of joy or a season of trial—let us allow the Holy Spirit to speak to us through this passage. Together, we will discover why we can "glory in our sufferings" and how God can use them to build something extraordinary in us.

WHAT IS THE PROCESS OF GODLY CHARACTER BUILDING?

1. SUFFERING IS A PART OF GOD’S PLAN

When we face adversity, our natural reaction might be frustration, despair, or even bitterness. However, Paul gives us an unexpected perspective: “We also glory in our sufferings...” Glorying in suffering may sound strange, but this biblical truth challenges us to view hardship as an opportunity rather than a punishment.

Paul begins by flipping our understanding of suffering on its head. Instead of seeing it as an unwelcome interruption, we are to “glory in our sufferings.” This isn’t about masochism but about recognizing that trials have a purpose. They are not random; they test our faith and produce perseverance.

ILLUSTRATION: Job

Consider Job, who suffered immensely despite being a righteous man. He lost his family, possessions, and health. Though Job wrestled with his pain and sought answers from God, he ultimately learned to trust God’s divine purposes. Through his suffering, Job developed a deeper relationship with God and a greater understanding of His sovereignty.

REFLECTION: When we face hardship, it’s natural to ask why. But when we trust God’s sovereignty and believe that He works even in the hardest moments of life, we discover that our suffering has a higher purpose. God sometimes uses trials to refine and strengthen us, drawing us closer to Him.

2. PERSEVERANCE IS BUILT THROUGH ENDURING WITH FAITH

Paul continues, telling us that suffering produces perseverance. Persistence is a choice—it is a commitment to stay the course even when circumstances make us want to quit. Perseverance is not about remaining unaffected by trials; instead, it is about unwavering faith even in difficult seasons.

Perseverance is born from the repeated act of choosing faith over fear, commitment over capitulation. Just as muscles grow through the stress of exercise, our spiritual resolve strengthens when we navigate adversity with trust in God.

ILLUSTRATION: Joseph in Egypt

Joseph’s life provides a clear example of perseverance. Betrayed by his brothers, sold into slavery, and wrongfully imprisoned, Joseph could have easily given in to despair. But instead, he trusted God through his trials and continued to honor Him. His faith and perseverance ultimately led to his rise to power in Egypt, where he saved countless lives and reunited with his family.