Jam 1:2-3, 1Pe 1:6-7 | Family | STEP | Temptations ; trials suited to develop their character, and if rightly borne, to make them better. God does not afflict or expose his children to temptation because he takes pleasure in their distresses or exposures, but for their benefit, that they may be made wiser and better; and although no trials or exposures in themselves are joyous, but grievous, yet as they are the means when rightly improved of increasing holiness and usefulness, they should be received not only with submission, but with gratitude.

‏ James 1:2-3

Temptations; trials suited to develop their character, and if rightly borne, to make them better. God does not afflict or expose his children to temptation because he takes pleasure in their distresses or exposures, but for their benefit, that they may be made wiser and better; and although no trials or exposures in themselves are joyous, but grievous, yet as they are the means when rightly improved of increasing holiness and usefulness, they should be received not only with submission, but with gratitude. The trying of your faith; that is, when the trial is rightly endured.

Patience; in its usual scriptural sense of steadfast endurance.

‏ 1 Peter 1:6-7

If need be; if it seem good to God that it be so for your spiritual profit. Compare Heb 12:6-11. The trial of your faith; that is, the result of its being tried; or, which amounts to the same thing, your faith itself after it has been so tried; for it is not the trial that is precious, but its product.

Than of gold; more literally, than gold.

Though it be tried with fire; judged worth such a trial, notwithstanding its perishable nature, while your faith is imperishable.