The topic of pain has surfaced multiple times the last few days. First because my big toe was throbbing. I couldn’t tell if the pain was from jumping rope or from toe grooming neglect. What is pain? Pain is a hurting signal and a response to an action, experience, memory or thought about the future. Pain will cause a person to display unruly behavior and say words one can’t find in the Bible. Of course, I’m not saying I did this. But do you remember the last time you stubbed your toe? I’m just sayin’.
The second time the pain topic came up was because of a story I’d heard about a divorced couple where one person was seeking revenge. Sometimes pain can shape a person’s personality, and not for the better. The third time the topic occurred I was listening to a friend share how she tried to help someone in need, but the person refused the help. Pain can prevent a person from wanting to show kindness toward others. Pain can cause a person to retreat and to close themselves off from the world. Pain can also trick one into misdiagnosis and detrimental self medication. Wow this four letter word called pain packs a powerful punch. Ouuuch - in my Cardi B. voice.
Pain causes change and exposes truth but it can also be a catalyst for new beginnings. However, it’s up to each individual to accept the truth that pain brings and in time, face it head on. Allowing pain to have a seat in a recliner inside our souls with a blanket, popcorn, and Netflix only causes us to act out or painful feelings towards others. And no matter how good of a performance we sell, other people can’t pay for our pain. The price is just too high.
I’m sure that if we had a vote, most of us would choose to never experience pain. However, without pain we wouldn’t know how to avoid danger. Without pain, we wouldn’t understand forgiveness. Without pain, we couldn’t understand the words the prophet Isaiah wrote, “For He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our inequities; the chastisement of our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5). Only Christ could pay the astronomical price for our pain. No person could ever do that for us. Christ being fully divine and fully human understood the pain we have right now, today. So, while we yell ouch and non-biblical words, Christ is there waiting for us to accept his peace and be healed.