“In this [hope] you rejoice even though for a brief moment at the present you are bound to grieve in various trials, in order that the proof of your faith –much more precious than gold refined by fire! –may be found [a cause for] praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” (1Pe 1:6-7 MHM)
“It is by [Jesus] also we now enjoy an approach [to God] through His unmerited favor in which we now stand. Also, we may boast in the hope of God’s glory.” (Ro 5:2 MHM)
“For it is better for persons to suffer because of doing good – if that be the wish and will of The God – than be persons suffering for doing bad.” (1Pe 3:17 MHM)
“Consider it immeasurable joy, my brothers, whenever various trials befall you, realizing that this testing of your deep conviction works out endurance. But, let endurance work out completely so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing.” (Jas 1:2-4 MHM)
“Beloved, do not think it strange the burning fire you face as a test as though something alien was taking place. But rather all of you continue to rejoice because of sharing in the sufferings of the Christ, so that you might also rejoice in exultation at the revelation of his glory.” (1Pe 4:12-13 MHM)
“For thou, O God, hast proved us: Thou hast tried us, as silver is tried.” (Ps 66:10 ASV)
“Many are the afflictions of the righteous; But Jehovah delivereth him out of them all.” (Ps 34:19 ASV)
“[There] they strengthened the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to remain in the Faith, saying: “We must gain entrance into the Kingdom of The God through many oppressions.”” (Ac 14:22 MHM)
“For I think The God has exhibited us apostles last as [persons] condemned to death, because we became a theater spectacle to the Cosmos–both to angels and humans. We are morons because of Christ, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You are honorable, but we dishonorable. Until this present hour we both hunger and thirst–are without proper clothing, are beaten, and homeless. Also, we work with our own hands. When reviled, we bless. When persecuted, we endure. When defamed, we implore. We [apostles] have become the outcasts in the world of humankind. Until the present moment we have become the refuse of all.”
“I do not write to shame you, but rather as admonishing my beloved children. For though you have myriads of infant-teachers, but you do not have many fathers in Christ. For I gave birth to you in Christ Jesus by means of the Good News.” (1Co 4:9-15 MHM)
“But, we possess this treasure in vessels of baked clay, so that the surpassing greatness may be the power of The God and not our own.”
“Continually pressured, but not completely restricted. Continually perplexed, but not without direction. Continually persecuted, but not abandoned. Continually suppressed, but not destroyed. Constantly enduring the death of Jesus in our body, so that the life of Jesus may be manifest in our body. For we, the living, are constantly being exposed to death in behalf of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus might also be manifest in our mortal flesh.” (2Co 4:7-11 MHM)
“Thou didst cause men to ride over our heads; We went through fire and through water; But thou broughtest us out into a wealthy place.” (Ps 66:12 ASV)
“The refining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold; But Jehovah trieth the hearts.” (Pr 17:3 ASV)
“Not only that, but we also are boasting in the oppression, realizing that this oppression produces endurance. However, this endurance documents and endorses [us]. Then, this endorsing documentation [produces] hope;” (Ro 5:3-4 MHM)
“Blessed [by God] is the person who endures trials. Because having become approved such a person will receive the crown of life which [God] promised to those loving Him.” (Jas 1:12 MHM)
“Do not be frightened of what you are about to suffer. Look, the Devil is about to throw some of you into prison so that you may be tested by 10 days of oppression. Continue to be faithful unto death and I will give you the crown of life.” (Re 2:10 MHM)
“Because you observed the word of my own endurance I will also keep you from the hour of temptation coming upon the entire inhabited earth.” (Re 3:10 MHM)
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2013 update:
