different than the pagans

As Catholics, we should react differently than the pagans.  Rejoice in sufferings.  We should be different.

5.15.12
homily on Acts 16:22-34

unbending to evil

Be submissive to good,
unbending to evil,
gentle in generosity,
untiring in love,
just in all things.

~St. Columbanus

your chief study

Let your chief study be to acquaint yourself with God, because it is the only knowledge which can fill the heart with a peace and joy which nothing can disturb.

~St. Elizabeth Ann Seton

not as the world gives

It is necessary to undergo many hardships to enter the Kingdom of God.  (Acts 14:22)

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.  Not as the world gives do I give it to you.  Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.  (John 14:27)

take courage

...so that you might have peace in me.  In the world, you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world.  (John 16:33)

remain in me

Remain in me, as I remain in you...  John 15:4

have faith

Jesus tells his Apostles at the last supper:  Do not let your hearts be troubled.  You have faith in God; have faith also in me.  (John 14:1)

Said another way:  The Lord's mercy is infinitely greater than the stupidity of our sinfulness.