“but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” – Romans 5:3-5 . “Consider how great the things to come are, when we can rejoice even at things which appear to be distressful…. Sufferings are in themselves a good thing, insofar as they prepare us for endurance… Endurance produces character, which contributes in some measure to the things which are to come because it gives power to the hope which is within us. Nothing encourages a man to hope for blessing more than the strength of a good character. No one who has led a good life worries about the future…. Does our good really lie in hope? Yes, but not in human hopes, which often vanish and leave only embarrassment behind. Our hope is in God and is therefore sure and immovable... God has given us the greatest gift possible and in profusion…. What is this gift? It is the Holy Spirit. ” – St. John Chrysostom