Character: The Other Heart Muscle

“We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. 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.” Romans 5:3-5

According to The American Heart Association, endurance is one of the four exercises that help keep the body fit and strengthen the heart muscle. But what about our spiritual hearts? In Paul’s letter to the Romans, he tells us that problems and trials help us develop endurance. Endurance exercise is not always a lot of fun. Neither are problems and trials. But just as endurance exercise strengthens our physical hearts, enduring trials develops character and strengthens our spiritual hearts. 

In times when you feel weighed down with problems and trials, and it seems as if you can’t take another step, that’s a good time to look up. Trusting in God during difficult times develops character and strengthens our hope. And godly hope does not disappoint. 

So next time you are walking (or jogging) through one of life’s many trials, remember how much God dearly loves you. Just as you can press on through endurance exercise and strengthen the physical heart muscle, you can press on through problems and trials and strengthen your character, the other heart muscle.