“Blessed is the man who
perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will
receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him”. James 1.12

On
the path to spiritual maturity, each temptation becomes a step, instead
of a slippery rock. It is just as much an opportunity to do the right
thing as to do the wrong. Temptation only presents one with a choice,
even though it issatan’s crucial weapon for destruction.

Every
time that you choose to do good, instead of sinning, the character of
Christ develops inside of you. To understand this, you should first
identify the qualities of JESUS’ character.

By the following qualities, we understand a beautiful description of JESUS CHRIST:

…”gentleness and self-control…” Galatians 5:23

HOW
THEN WILL THE HOLY SPIRIT PRODUCE THE FRUITS OF THESE QUALITIES IN OUR
LIVES? Will they be created instantly? Will you wake up one day and
suddenly be completely filled with these characteristics? Of course
not! Fruit always ripens slowly.

GOD develops the spiritual
fruit in your life, allowing you to go through situations that will
tempt you to assume exactly opposite characteristics. Character
development always involves a choice, and temptation supplies the
opportunity to make that choice.

Let’s look at this: GOD teaches
us to love by putting disagreeable people around us. To love agreeable
people who love us doesn’t take any effort at all.