@kdhartfiel respectfully, I have to question the assertion that God prefers we learn apart from “the fire”. Even Jesus was subjected to suffering and it was part of Gods plan (Hebrews 5:8 - Jesus learned obedience through the things he suffered).
If we say that only those who are thick-headed have to endure persecution - and that God would prefer they learn another way, it dismisses a huge, faithful part of the body of Christ.
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@katharos you are correct. I guess I should have clarified more. I meant unnecessary trials. There is a purifying Holy fire that God puts us through, which most of us have experienced at least to a point, but, it's the unnecessary things that happened to us when we don't listen. Sorry for the misunderstanding.
