How can we glory in our sufferings (Romans 5:3)?

In Romans 5:3, the apostle Paul writes, “We also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance.” The ESV uses the word rejoice instead of glory. Glorying or rejoicing in suffering seems impossible. How can believers accomplish this?

Paul asserts that believers have been justified by faith. Consequently, “we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God” (Romans 5:1–2). The same Greek word translated as “boast” in verse 2 is translated as “glory” in verse 3. Believers should boast about their hope in Christ and glory in their sufferings.

Paul goes on to explain the purpose of suffering: “We know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us” (Romans 5:3–5). Suffering is not meaningless because it cultivates perseverance, refines our character, and produces greater hope in God. Hope will not disappoint us because it is grounded in God’s love and affirmed by the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. Knowing that God works and shapes us to be more like Christ, we can glory in suffering.

God uses suffering to test us. James writes, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance” (James 1:2–3). Experiencing joy is connected to considering the purpose of suffering. While we may not always know the cause of our suffering, we can see that it produces perseverance, making us “mature and complete” (James 1:4). This is how we can glory in our suffering (Romans 5:3).

Jesus encouraged His disciples to rejoice and be glad in persecution: “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you” (Matthew 5:11–12). We can glory in suffering because we endure hardships for the sake of Christ, who promises not to abandon us during difficult times (Hebrews 13:5). The apostle Peter reminds us that suffering for Christ is a blessing: “If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you” (1 Peter 4:14).

Glorying in suffering requires a perspective shift. The world views suffering as an obstacle to happiness, but believers should see it as an opportunity to strengthen their faith and intimacy with God. Our strength does not come from mustering enough courage to confront suffering; instead, it comes from the confidence that “God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28). Everything, including suffering, is for our good and His glory.

Furthermore, glorying in suffering requires us to view hardships from an eternal perspective. While pain and suffering can be difficult to bear, God uses these moments to fulfill His redemptive plan. Therefore, we should not place our hope in this world but in the eternal glory of heaven. We can glory in our suffering because it produces something far greater than we could imagine (1 Corinthians 2:9; 2 Corinthians 4:17).