⁷ To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor^(A) and immortality,^(B) he will give eternal life.^(C)

³ Not only so, but we^[a] also glory in our sufferings,^(A) because we know that suffering produces perseverance;^{(B) 4} perseverance, character; and character, hope.

¹¹ Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor,^(A) serving the Lord. ¹² Be joyful in hope,^(B) patient in affliction,^(C) faithful in prayer.^(D)

⁴ For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us,^(A) so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.

⁴ Therefore, among God’s churches we boast^(A) about your perseverance and faith^(B) in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring.^(C)

⁵ And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says,

⁷ Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children.^(D) For what children are not disciplined by their father? ⁸ If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline^(E)—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all. ⁹ Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits^(F) and live!^{(G) 10} They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness.^{(H) 11} No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace^(I) for those who have been trained by it.

Trials and Temptations

² Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,^[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds,^{(A) 3} because you know that the testing of your faith^(B) produces perseverance.^{(C) 4} Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature^(D) and complete, not lacking anything.