Testing of Your Faith

^2 (A)Count it all joy, my brothers,^[a] when you meet trials ^(B)of various kinds,

⁶ In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by ^(A)various trials, ⁷ so that ^(B)the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes ^(C)though it is tested by ^(D)fire—may be found to result in ^(E)praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. ^8 (F)Though you have not seen him, you love him. ^(G)Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory,

^12 (A)Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive ^(B)the crown of life, ^(C)which God has promised to those who love him.

⁹ But he said to me, ^(A)“My grace is sufficient for you, for ^(B)my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that ^(C)the power of Christ may rest upon me. ^10 (D)For the sake of Christ, then, ^(E)I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For ^(F)when I am weak, then I am strong.

^10 (A)“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for ^(B)theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

^11 (C)“Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely ^(D)on my account. ^12 (E)Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for ^(F)so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.