The NBC office staff and I are memorizing Romans 5:3-5. It is a powerful and counterintuitive passage. The line that is so shocking says, “We also exult in our tribulations.” At a staff meeting we considered synonyms for the word “exult.”

We came up with the same list as Webster: celebrate, rejoice, delight, be ecstatic. 

This is not easy and requires intentional mental work. It is part of the counterintuitive nature of Christianity. To rejoice in hardship, insults, and weaknesses. To align with the poor and marginalized. To love and pray for those who wish us harm or do us wrong. 

Dad loved the word “why.” I can imagine him asking, “Why should we do this crazy, irrational thing of rejoicing in tribulations (aka hardships, trials, insults, difficulties, sufferings)? 

The next part of the verse gives the detailed why. We rejoice because tribulation brings about perseverance. Wow! 

If we don’t face challenges, we do not develop perseverance. Science is behind scripture discovering just how vital difficulties are to our growth and development. 

What does perseverance bring? 

It brings proven character. I love the word “proven.” How often do we find out after the fact about someone’s “behind the scenes” life? Without challenges, we cannot grow. 

Proven means verified, established, witnessed, substantiated, confirmed. 

And what does proven character provide? Hope. 

Not wishful thinking, but deeply rooted, confident expectation in the fulfillment of God’s promises. 

I can picture Dad getting fired up by the next line. 

And hope does not disappoint! An incredible line. And a particularly good self-check. What do I really hope for? Vengeance? Glory? Easy life? Vacation every day? Wealth and prosperity for my children?

Or do I want something infinitely generous?

Hope that does not disappoint is the outpouring of God’s love through the Holy Spirit in our hearts. It is a transformed heart in the image of the sacred heart of Christ. It is the hope that the desolation of the cross leads to resurrection. 

This is the goal. Love at the center. Deep, communal, forgiving and forgiven, reconciliation with God, nature, all humanity- everyone loving one another from the heart.