“Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance” (Romans 5:3 NIV).
There are many who see the world as a place without reason, purpose, or hope for the future. Those who hold that perspective may lapse into bitterness, despair, or anger in the face of life’s adversities, for they find no discernible purpose behind them. When viewed in this manner, the trials of life are utterly meaningless, for they induce suffering and pain with no beneficial or productive effect.
But a man or woman of God can find merit and growth in the midst of those circumstances, knowing that God has ordained a purpose behind their trials. Romans 5:3 identifies one such purpose: “suffering produces endurance” (NET). While we are undoubtedly familiar with things like suffering, tribulations (KJV), problems (NLT), troubles (GNT), and afflictions (CSB), this reference to perseverance or endurance (ESV) may be less familiar.
The word translated perseverance is hupomone in the original language of this passage. Kenneth Wuest, the prominent New Testament Greek scholar of the twentieth century, offered the following insight into this word…
“‘Patience is hupomone, ‘steadfastness, constancy, endurance.’ Thayer says, ‘the characteristic of a man who is unswerved from his deliberate purpose and his loyalty to faith and piety by even the greatest trials and sufferings.’ The verbal form is hupomeno, ‘to remain under,’ thus, to remain under trials in a God-honoring way so as to learn the lesson they are sent to teach, rather than attempt to get out from under them in an effort to be relieved of their pressure.” (1)
Although we can permit suffering to cast a bitter shadow over our lives, this passage should prompt us to recognize the good that God seeks to cultivate in us through such experiences. The New Testament epistle of James offers an encouraging commentary on this approach…
“My friends, be patient until the Lord returns. Think of farmers who wait patiently for the autumn and spring rains to make their valuable crops grow. Be patient like those farmers and don’t give up. The Lord will soon be here! Don’t grumble about each other or you will be judged, and the judge is right outside the door.
My friends, follow the example of the prophets who spoke for the Lord. They were patient, even when they had to suffer. In fact, we praise the ones who endured the most. You remember how patient Job was and how the Lord finally helped him. The Lord did this because he is so merciful and kind” (James 5:7-11 CEV).
(1) Kenneth S. Wuest, Word Studies in the Greek New Testament [Romans 5:3-5] Copyright © 1942-55 by Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.