4, 5. Using the apostle Peter’s words at 2 Peter 1:5-7, show, from God’s standpoint, how endurance serves a purpose.

⁴ The apostle Peter shows how endurance works. He says: “Supply . . . to your endurance godly devotion, to your godly devotion brotherly affection, to your brotherly affection love.”​—2 Pet. 1:5-7.

6, 7. From the Christian’s standpoint, what good things does endurance do for him?

⁶ From the individual Christian’s standpoint, endurance produces God’s approval. God is pleased with him and draws closer to him. (Rom. 5:3-5; Jas. 4:8) From his experience in successfully enduring, the Christian has greater devotion to God. During severe trials, he learns that he has to lean wholly on Jehovah and no one else, for only Jehovah, through Jesus Christ, can supply his needs and the necessary strength. (Phil. 4:13) As a consequence of his own endurance, he develops deep affection for his brothers who are undergoing trials​—different trials but equally heart-searching. It helps him to sympathize, not criticize, when their problems and weaknesses cause them to make mistakes.​—1 Pet. 5:9.

⁷ All of this increases the Christian’s appreciation for the undeserved kindness of God, which is expressed in so many ways. He loves God for this. Moreover, he develops more mercy in his heart toward those not in the truth. He sees the difficulties under which they labor and groan. (Rom. 8:22) And his love extends out to them to help them in their need of the life-giving message of truth.​—Matt. 9:36.