Romans 5:3-4 (NIV)
We know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.
“Character,” in Greek, dokimé, meaning approved through testing, genuine.
Paul makes it clear: no hard times, no good character. Suffering is the cost of character.
To suffer doth refine the soul,
and makes it worthy, such
as to be in Heaven whole,
but there can be too much.
Asthe flint will sharpen steel,
a brittle piece can break
upon the turning grinding-wheel
to be lost in the mistake
made without consideration
for the weakest place
that defined the whole’s station,
and its state of grace.
Have a care, then for your heart,
because it can be torn apart.
My weakest place defines my state of grace. Now there’s a poetic thought to ponder and praise. Thank you, Andrew, for my morning meditation.
🙂