Main Answer
Romans 5:3-4 describes a sequence in which suffering can produce endurance, endurance produces tested character and tested character strengthens hope. Paul is explaining what God can form through pressure, not saying pain is good in itself.
The passage begins with peace with God through Jesus Christ and access into grace. Suffering is interpreted inside that secure relationship rather than as a way to earn God’s acceptance.
Tested character gives hope a history. A believer can look back and see that God sustained them through previous pressure, which makes present hope less abstract.
This process takes time. Character formed by endurance usually grows through repeated responses rather than one decisive spiritual moment.
For a related free study, read What Does “Looking Unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of Our Faith” Mean in Hebrews 12:2?.
For a fuller guided study, see Uncovering Faith – A Christian Devotional on Perseverance [PDF] (available to our members also).
The Extra Study below examines Romans 5:1-5 in context and develops the practical implications of this question.
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