What does the Bible say about personal growth amidst difficulty?

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Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible

• 1 Peter 2:1-25

  [1] Putting away therefore all wickedness, all deceit, hypocrisies, envies, and all evil speaking, [2] as newborn babes, long for the pure milk of the Word, that you may grow thereby, [3] if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious: [4] coming to him, a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God, precious. [5] You also, as living stones, are built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. [6] Because it is contained in Scripture, "Behold, I lay in Zion a chief cornerstone, chosen, and precious: He who believes in him will not be disappointed." [7] For you therefore who believe is the honor, but for such as are disobedient, "The stone which the builders rejected, Has become the chief cornerstone," [8] and, "A stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense." For they stumble at the word, being disobedient, whereunto also they were appointed. [9] But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession, that you may show forth the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light: [10] who in time past were no people, but now are God's people, who had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy. [11] Beloved, I beg you as foreigners and pilgrims, to abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; [12] having good behavior among the nations, so in that which they speak against you as evil-doers, they may by your good works, which they see, glorify God in the day of visitation. [13] Therefore subject yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether to the king, as supreme; [14] or to governors, as sent by him for vengeance on evil-doers and for praise to those who do well. [15] For this is the will of God, that by well-doing you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: [16] as free, and not using your freedom for a cloak of wickedness, but as bondservants of God. [17] Honor all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king. [18] Servants, be in subjection to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the wicked. [19] For it is commendable if someone endures pain, suffering unjustly, because of conscience toward God. [20] For what glory is it if, when you sin, you patiently endure beating? But if, when you do well, you patiently endure suffering, this is commendable with God. [21] For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving you an example, that you should follow his steps, [22] who did not sin, "neither was deceit found in his mouth." [23] Who, when he was cursed, didn't curse back. When he suffered, didn't threaten, but committed himself to him who judges righteously; [24] who his own self bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live to righteousness; by whose stripes you were healed. [25] For you were going astray like sheep; but are now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

• 1 Peter 4:13

  But because you are partakers of Christ's sufferings, rejoice; that at the revelation of his glory also you may rejoice with exceeding joy.

• Mark 13:33

  Watch, keep alert, and pray; for you don't know when the time is.

• Philippians 1:9-11

  [9] This I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and all discernment; [10] so that you may approve the things that are excellent; that you may be sincere and without offense to the day of Christ; [11] being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.

• Ephesians 2:8

  for by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,

• Jude 1:13

  wild waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, for whom the blackness of darkness has been reserved forever.

• 1 John 3:2

  Beloved, now we are children of God, and it is not yet revealed what we will be. But we know that, when he is revealed, we will be like him; for we will see him just as he is.

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