Peace and Joy

Romans 5:1-5

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us.

Notes on the Scripture

One of the most perplexing issues in Christian thought is why a loving and all-powerful God allows His faithful children to suffer. I am not smart enough to answer it. Personally, I simply accept it: if God allowed Christ, who was perfect, to suffer such a terrible death prior to reaching His heavenly reward, who am I to ask for more lenient treatment?

In this passage, after reminding us that we will be saved through our faith in Christ, Paul asks us to rejoice in our sufferings. Our suffering builds character, just as the pain of physical exercise makes us physically stronger, or the task of studying makes us more learned. We must learn to go on in spite of our difficulties, because the act of *perseverance will lead to *hope that will not disappoint us.

*Perseverance is continuing faithfulness to Christ remaining in Him.

*Hope is trusting God, enables Christians to live joyfully in the present, even when they suffer.