We are privileged to have trials. 1 Peter 1-4

Scripture Study: 1 Peter 1:1-9.     2:12, 15, 20-25.    3:11-16     4:12-19
Thanks for reading. I wanted to start off with a realization that I have had very recently in my life. We have reasons for influence in our character, and in our decisions.
1) Character if affected by our virtues
               We all will have personalities that allow us to have diversity in life. However, when it comes to life, the virtues we lack, or improve will change our character. For example, if we lack faith, it will shape our character into a doubtful person with our dealings in life. On the other hand, if we have charity, we will love others and help them in any possible way. So if there is a character flaw we have, it can be fixed by improving the corresponding virtue associated with it to give strength unto all things in life.
2) Choices and decisions
Our decisions go further than virtues, because they are a reflection of our thoughts. If we allow bad thoughts do be entertained in our minds, we allow darkness into our souls. Then it becomes our character to be evil doers instead of righteous. If we follow God and allow light to abide in our souls, we will make decisions for good. A bad deed is never done in an instant, but is premeditated no matter how brief or thought out. Even our reflexes show the training we give to them to react in certain situations.

God wants our virtues and character to reflect who He is. God is perfect and knows what pure and true everlasting happiness is; the rest of us are still learning. We suffer trials that we may learn how to perfect our virtues and make decisions that lead us back to our Father in heaven; where everlasting happiness resides. It is a symbol of His love unto us, because on an eternal perspective, if we endure in faith and exact obedience, we will find true happiness. It is never easy to watch something you love suffer, but God in His infinite wisdom  endures that pain because He realizes our potential. Therefore, it is a privilege to suffer trials, because then we know that God is giving us an opportunity to becoming more like He is and enjoy the blessings that He has. On our part, our attitude can highly affect how much we really need to suffer in these trials. God pours out His blessings upon the patient and the faithful. When we complain, we allow doubt to fight faith and become stubborn to the counsel of God. Why suffer longer than necessary? Or more than we have to? But endure it well, and the armies of heaven will give us strength to press forward.

Christ has made it possible to overcome our trials, and give us strength to endure them. During the great act of the atonement, Christ suffered all. Christ endured pains such as hunger, thirst, disease, betrayal, and any type of suffering we can and ever will feel in our lives. He has already paid the ransom on our sins, so if we repent and follow His teachings, we will not have to pay the penalty of justice, and enjoy the blessings of our good deeds. Since Christ suffered these things, He has compassion on us for our sufferings, because He has felt it; for He has descended below them all. His hand is stretched forth always, to lift us up when we are down. He understands our pains, and knows how to perfectly nurture us to allow us to be healed. So let's use this gift for our benefit, for the price is already paid.

We have so much to be grateful for, so much has been given to us through the divine love of God the Father, His son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost. Ingratitude comes from a focus on oneself. Remembering everything that happens to you that is bad, and forgetting all that has been given from the Lord. I am so grateful for everything Heavenly Father has given me. Even every breath I take is a blessing from Him. I am grateful for the Lord Jesus Christ, His sacrifice was an act of pure love, and has infinitely blessed me in my life. I am grateful for my family always being there for me. Friends that support me and give encouragement. And for all things I see as a blessing, and even the blessings I don't always recognize. We can always feel content in our trials, let us use all of the blessings given us, and be grateful in all circumstances. Happy Thanksgiving everybody! Thanks for reading.