Mature Faith: Paradox of Trials (Jody Garner)

What do you consider "pure joy"? We probably don't answer that question with all the hardships and trials we've been through. Yet, this is what James says we should consider "pure joy." James 1:2-4; 12 is our main text today. Several people say that they wish this wasn't in the Bible because it is such a difficult teaching. What does James mean by this paradoxical teaching, and how do we apply it today?