“King David made a covenant with them at Hebron before the LORD. And they anointed David king over Israel.” (2Sam 5:3)

“always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect [teleios] and complete [pleroo] in all the will of God.” (Col 4:12)

“But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect [katartizo=to make fit], establish, strengthen, and settle you.” (1Pet 5:10)

“that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.” (Heb 6:12)

“And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance [hupomone]; and perseverance [hupomone], character [dokime=value produced through difficulty]; and character, hope.” (Rom 5:3-4)

“Now may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ.” (2Thes 3:5)

“strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience [hupomone] and longsuffering [makrothumia] with joy” (Col 1:11)

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation [thlipsis], that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble [thlipsis], with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” (2Cor 1:3-4)

“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials [peirasmos], knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” (Jm 1:2-4)

“Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.” (1Pet 4:12-13)

“Blessed is the man who endures [hupomeno] temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.” (Jm 1:12)

Reading: 2Sam 3-5; Lk 8