We have need of patience, and that can only be gained by trials. We have need of faith, and that can only be developed by necessities. We have need of experience for our future work, which can be gained only by such experiences as permit us to be touched with a feeling of the infirmities and difficulties and trials of those about us, to whom we shall be ministers and representatives in God's Kingdom. For us, then, the lesson of present experiences is to resist evil, and not with evil, but with good.
In themselves tribulations are not to be gloried in, but we may glory in them, when they work in us patience; and such perseverance in well-doing is rewarded by God's approval, which, when realized, fills the heart with hope for ultimate victory. Nor is this hope vain, because God delights in giving this victory to those whose hearts are filled with Divine love, a love that is the choice fruit of the holy Spirit given us by God in Christ Jesus.
Matt. 5:11; 1 Pet. 3:12-14; 2 Cor. 4:16-18; 7:4; Heb. 12:5-13; Jas. 1:2-4, 12; Phil. 1:20; 2 Tim. 1:12; 2 Cor. 1:22; Gal. 4:6; Eph. 1:13, 14.
