Romans 5:3–5 (NASB):
“And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”
The Question of “In” Tribulations
Paul’s wording here raises an important question: when he says we exult in tribulations, what does that mean?
- Does it mean “in spite of” them — we rejoice even though they hurt?
- Does it mean “in the midst of” them — we rejoice while we suffer?
- Or does it mean “because of” them — we rejoice on account of the suffering itself?
At first glance, it may seem like Paul is saying we should celebrate suffering itself. But that would make Christianity sound like religious masochism — as if pain were a good in itself. That is not what Paul is teaching.
Not Masochism, But Meaning
We are not called to enjoy suffering for its own sake. Tribulation is real, and it brings anguish. Paul himself speaks honestly of despair, weakness, and tears (2 Cor 1:8; Acts 20:19; Phil 3:18). The affliction is not good. Persecution is not pleasant. Hardship is not a “blessing” in itself.
Yet, as Sam Storms explains:
“We can exult on account of our trials and tribulations only because we know something non-Christians don’t: that tribulations set in motion a process that develops spiritual maturity and eventually issues in renewed hope and assurance.” (Sam Storms, Biblical Studies: Romans, Ro 5:3–5)
This is the key. We do not rejoice in the pain, but in the purpose. We rejoice because tribulation is the starting point of a process that God uses to refine us. Tribulation → perseverance → proven character → hope.
The Beatitudes Parallel
This echoes Jesus’ words in Matthew 5. Many stop at: “Blessed are the poor in spirit,” or “Blessed are those who are persecuted.” But each Beatitude continues with a promise: “for theirs is the kingdom of heaven,” “for they shall be comforted,” “for they shall inherit the earth.”
The blessing is not in the poverty, mourning, or persecution itself. The blessing is in what God promises through those experiences.
- Persecution is not a blessing, but God promises reward.
- Mourning is not a blessing, but God promises comfort.
- Poverty of spirit is not pleasant, but it leads to the kingdom.
So also with Romans 5: tribulation is not good, but God produces something good through it.
Why We Rejoice
Paul’s point is not: “love pain.”
It is: “trust the process God is working through pain.”
- Tribulations are real afflictions — persecution, pressure, and hardship.
- We rejoice not in the suffering itself, but in what God produces through it.
- Hope grows because trials prove our faith genuine and reveal God’s sustaining love.
This is why Paul can say that hope “does not disappoint.” Our joy is not denial of pain but confidence in the outcome.
Conclusion: Tribulation Is Not the Blessing, God’s Work Through It Is
Christians should not treat tribulation as if it were inherently good or avoid praying against suffering. Jesus healed sickness. Paul asked for deliverance from persecution. Hardship is not holy in itself.
But when tribulation comes, we do not lose heart. We know that God wastes nothing. Pressure becomes perseverance. Perseverance proves character. Proven character blossoms into hope.
We are not religious masochists. We are people who have learned that even in crushing circumstances, God is forging something more precious than gold.
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