Hebrew chapter 12 verses 3-17 tells us that God uses our pains to discipline us, sanctify us, and give us wisdom.

But why our pains? Have you ever asked yourself that?

Pains, based on my own experience, have a way of changing us or molding us.

I do have my shares of pains, most of which nobody knows about. I’m sure you do too.

I think pains are one of the things that though many of us are experiencing, are seldom talked about. Probably because it’s embarrassing? Is it a sign of weakness? Or perhaps to protect those who hurt us? Or just to protect ourselves.

To some, pains made them a better version of themselves. Out of those pains, they gained strength, discipline, courage, wisdom and empathy. They gained a better understanding of themselves and what they are capable of.

Then there are others whose pains made them angry or hateful, bitter, cold and egocentric. They only see their pains, their reasons and their feelings thus minimizing and dismissing those of others.

Because of this, they end up hurting themselves more so – those people around them.

Wisdom. Empathy. Intuition.

I’d like to think I earned them. My own pains gave me the gift of seeing other people’s pains. It gave me humility. It gave me something to hold on to- so I can be a better person than the one who caused it. There are times when it would’ve been easier to be as fierce or angry or bitter or self-centered and cold…but isn’t it tiring?

Perhaps, we all grow differently from our pains, perhaps to some it takes years and for others, it takes a lifetime.

I don’t know what kind of pains you’re holding or you’ve had in the past, I don’t know if Hebrew Chapter 12:3-17 applies to you or maybe not….yet.

But I do hope that, sometime soon…you look at those people around you and see their pains and realize who’s causing it…

“If you never heal from what hurt you, you’ll bleed on people who didn’t cut you.” Tamara Kulish

Until next time,