Pain is a gift least wanted. The agony of pain spins us out of control. That feeling of losing control makes many of us dislike pain. Pain, like any other physical part of our being, is a gift. Without pain, we cannot understand what hurts us and why we should do something to mend the hurt. Without pain, we cannot know if we lose a member of our body and to seek medical attention immediately. Without pain, we cannot know something is wrong with our internal organs or some harmful substances have entered our bodies. Without pain, we cannot know our tooth is decaying and that we need to visit a dentist. Without pain, we cannot feel regret with our wrong actions and hope to be forgiven. Without the pain of separation, we cannot appreciate the joy of reunion. Without the pain of failure, we cannot learn the joy of success.

May we walk through life's pain with new strength. That God has allowed us to experience something Christ Jesus was so familiar with - the pain to love sinners, the pain to suffer for those who are powerless and the pain to die for sins once for all. That is the gift of pain.