The primary trait of character that will take us through the final conflict and bring us to the Day of Christ is the Love that has moved in upon us from the very heart of God. If we know this Love, we have a hope that will go with us through any—yes any—persecution that may enter our paths.

Romans 5:5—And hope maketh not ashamed  (hope is never frustrated or disgraced); because the love of God is shed abroad (has been poured out liberally) in our hearts by the Holy Spirit which is given unto us (Who has beengiven to us, never to leave us).

Weymouth’s New Testament has quite a take on this extensive passage: And not only so: we also exult in our sufferings, knowing as we do, that suffering produces fortitude;  fortitude, ripeness of character; and ripeness of character, hope; and that this hope never disappoints, because God’s love for us floods our hearts through the Holy Spirit Who has been given to us—Romans 5:3-5. Indeed! Hope, made strong in us by the Love of God, brings us to the place where we can actually find joy in suffering. The joy that God’s Spirit gives makes it so we need have no dread of going through tribulation.

FATHER, I really have not suffered very much at all on your behalf. Now there is a strange and wonderful feeling that is coming over me as I think about suffering shame for Your Name. I’m beginning to feel the anticipation of letting Your Love in me face down the anti-Christ spirits that may soon be let loose upon us.

And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me:
therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy;
I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD.—Psalm 27:6

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