Charles Spurgeon Commentary James 1:12

"Blessed is the man that endureth temptation; for when he hath been approved, he shall receive the crown of life, which [the Lord] promised to them that love him." — James 1:12 (ASV)

Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

It is promised to love, but it is given to endurance. It is the love of God which discerns our love and rewards it, but rewards it partly by trying it, and then ultimately by bringing forth the stephanos, the crown. Men ran for a crown in the Greek games, and could not win the crown without the running. So does God give to those who run a crown, but not without the running. He gives to them, first, the privilege of suffering for his name's sake, and then of being rewarded for it.

Blessed is the man that endures temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to them that love him.

For that is the purpose of our trials, that we should be made to love him more, and love him better. This is that grace which shall win the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to them that love him.