⁸ We are ^(A)hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;

Profiting from Trials

² My brethren, ^(A)count it all joy ^(B)when you fall into various trials, ^3 (C)knowing that the testing of your faith produces ^[a]patience. ⁴ But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be ^[b]perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

Suffering for God’s Glory

¹² Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; ¹³ but rejoice ^(A)to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that ^(B)when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. ¹⁴ If you are ^[a]reproached for the name of Christ, ^(C)blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. ^[b]On their part He is blasphemed, ^(D)but on your part He is glorified.

³⁵ Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? ³⁶ As it is written:

^37 (B)Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.

¹⁰ Therefore ^(A)I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. ^(B)For when I am weak, then I am strong.

⁵ For indeed, ^(A)when we came to Macedonia, our bodies had no rest, but ^(B)we were troubled on every side. ^(C)Outside were conflicts, inside were fears.

^6 (A)In this you greatly rejoice, though now ^(B)for a little while, if need be, ^(C)you have been ^[a]grieved by various trials, ⁷ that ^(D)the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though ^(E)it is tested by fire, ^(F)may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ,

³ And not only that, but ^(A)we also glory in tribulations, ^(B)knowing that tribulation produces ^[a]perseverance; ^4 (C)and perseverance, ^[b]character; and character, hope. ^5 (D)Now hope does not disappoint, ^(E)because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.