Romans 5:1-5 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.
In Christ we have abundant blessings - especially the Holy Spirit within. When Christ promised Him in the upper room He also promised this peace that only He can bring. we also receive hope and love as gifts and fruit of the Spirit. All this without asking, just receiving from His gracious hand. Something else we do not ask for, but receive, is suffering. Christ promised this in the upper room as well - that if we are serious about living for Christ, we will be hated, persecuted and mistreated - we will suffer. But Paul encourages us here to realize that it is a package deal and the hope, peace, love and work of the Holy Spirit will far outweigh the sufferings, so that God will accomplish great things that will glorify Him. May we openly welcome and receive all Christ offers us in the Holy Spirit.
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