When you are faced with challenges, does your character remain intact? Are you proud of how you handled everything that happened yesterday? Are you ready to show the world who you are today, and at the end of the day be proud that you were true to your character? Character is "the way someone thinks, feels, and behaves; someone's personality." (Merriam-Webster) What influences your thoughts, feelings and behavior? Do you REACT or RESPOND to what life throws at you each day? How do you act when people are present vs when you are alone? Do people see the real you at all times? Remember, we are not called to be perfect... but we are created to be gracious and loving towards one another no matter what.
We each show love in different ways, but there are some basics that make being around each other more pleasant. I believe the best example of good (great) character is Jesus. He set the bar and lived on earth to show how possible it is in this life... no matter what life throws at you. And there will be ups and downs... but your character should never be tainted... and if it is, don't stay down or wallow in regret, just get up and move forward. If anything, your character should be stronger or improve with every challenge that you overcome. Here are some of Jesus' character traits that you can emulate: "Compassionate (Matthew 9:36); Servant (Mark 10:45); Loving (John 15:13); Forgiving (Luke 23:34); Committed (John 19:30); Prayerful (Matthew 14:23; Luke 6:12; Mark 6:46); Gentleness (John 8:2-11); Patience (John 14:5-11; John 20:24 -29); and Self-Control (Matthew 4:1-11)" [Extracted from a list by M. Krauszer] Again, we are all work in progress, so you are not called to be perfect, but I encourage you to cultivate good character, daily.
You may be going through trials and tribulations that you don't particularly feel like being loving or gracious--and you may be justified. However, at the end of this season, it's important that you don't lose who you are because of what you are going through. Let your character remain intact. If anything, let this season of turmoil build your character and make you even stronger than before. You have what it takes to pull through. PS: Don't forget the people around you that are there to support you. Avoid mistreating anyone. This too shall pass and your character should stand.
