Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we also have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we celebrate in hope of the glory of God. And not only this, but we also celebrate 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. For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.

Romans 5:1-6

Why does Paul tell the Roman Church to rejoice in tribulation? Isn’t that a hard thing to accept? We know that God doesn’t wish for us to suffer, so why should we be happy about bad times coming?

The simple answer to this is in the context of the passage. Once we have obtained peace with God, we know that the troubles we face have the outcome of strengthening us but they are not a test from God to prove our worthiness for salvation.

Jesus saved us when we were still helpless! Our peace with God means that he is not our enemy, but instead has chosen to save us and pour out his love on us through the Holy Spirit.

Ethan Kirl