Originally Posted by Tom
I am looking for a workable definition of what "count it all joy" looks like practically in order to help a friend understand what it means.

Tom
The CONTEXT reads:

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James 1:2-4 (ASV) "Count it all joy, my brethren, when ye fall into manifold temptations; Knowing that the proving of your faith worketh patience. And let patience have [its] perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, lacking in nothing."
And one verse that is a salient commentary is:

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Romans 8:28 (KJV) And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to [his] purpose.
In short, a true Christian is called to look upon all the trials and tribulations which come his way; aka: dark providences, as a blessing from God who is purging away the 'dross' from that remaining sinful nature to produce something of beauty... being transformed into Christ's image (Rom 8:29; 2Cor 3:18; Eph 4:24; Phil 3:21; 1Jh 3:2). This does NOT mean that our sanctification is without pain, sorrow and much anguish at times. This "joy" is one of knowledge and faith based on the truth of God's revealed will concerning how we are being made ready for glory and based on the irrevocable and sure promises of God.

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simul iustus et peccator

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