Series on Jonathan Edwards' Resolutions: Resolution #10

Using Pain to Gain Perspective

By Rooted Africa
Jonathan Edwards had resolved to meditate often on death and its realities (Resolution 9) to keep life in eternal focus. Now he applied that perspective to personal suffering, turning pain itself into a prompt for deeper spiritual awareness.

Resolution 10

Resolved, when I feel pain, to think of the pains of martyrdom and of hell.

In simple terms: Whenever Edwards experienced any form of pain—physical, emotional, or otherwise—he resolved to immediately reflect on the far greater sufferings of martyrs for Christ and the eternal torments of hell. This comparison was meant to cultivate gratitude, endurance, and compassion.This resolution flows from the earlier ones: if death and eternity are always in view, then momentary pain becomes an opportunity to realign the heart toward God's mercy and the urgency of the gospel.Why This Matters TodayPain is universal—headaches, chronic illness, heartbreak, disappointment, or the sting of failure. We often respond with self-pity, anger, or escape. Edwards shows a different path: use pain as a teacher. By contrasting our temporary discomfort with the extreme suffering of martyrs (who endured for faith) and the unimaginable reality of hell (from which Christ saved us), we gain perspective. Pain becomes a reminder of grace, a spur to thankfulness, and a motivator for compassion toward the lost.As 2 Corinthians 4:17 puts it: “For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison.”Applying Resolution 10 Practically

• In physical pain: When discomfort arises, pause and pray: “Lord, thank You that this is light compared to what martyrs endured—and infinitely lighter than hell’s torment from which You saved me.”
• In emotional or relational pain: Let it drive gratitude for salvation and empathy for others suffering worse.
• In trials at work or life: Use the moment to intercede for persecuted believers or share the gospel with someone far from Christ.
• Daily practice: When pain hits, journal one way it points to God's mercy or the urgency of eternity.

Reflection Questions

• How do I usually respond to pain—complaint, avoidance, or perspective?
• When was the last time pain reminded me of Christ's suffering or hell's reality?
• How might this resolution increase my compassion for others or my gratitude for salvation?

Edwards reviewed his resolutions weekly to keep such thoughts fresh. Regular reflection helps pain serve God's purposes rather than derail us.Resolution 10 turns suffering from an enemy into a servant—pointing us to the cross and the hope of glory. What does this resolution mean for your own experience of pain? Share in the comments or on X (@kateyakli). We continue tomorrow with Resolution 11.
References for Further Reading

• Full text of Edwards' Resolutions: https://www.jonathan-edwards.org/Resolutions.html
• "The Resolutions of Jonathan Edwards" (Desiring God): https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/the-resolutions-of-jonathan-edwards
• Ligonier Ministries overview: https://learn.ligonier.org/articles/resolutions-jonathan-edwards

Rooted in truth, growing in grace.