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.

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Series on Jonathan Edwards' Resolutions: #Resolution 9

 Dying Well in View

By Rooted Africa (

@kateyakli

)Jonathan Edwards had already resolved to live with humility toward others (Resolution 8) and to act as if every moment could be the last (Resolution 7). Now he deepened that eternal awareness by deliberately meditating on death and its circumstances.

Resolution 9
Resolved, to think much on all occasions of my own dying, and of the common circumstances which attend death.
In simple terms: Edwards resolved to frequently reflect on his own death and the typical realities that surround it—pain, separation, final judgment, the end of earthly opportunities—to keep his priorities aligned with eternity. This resolution builds directly on the previous ones: if time is short and every action must glorify God, then keeping death in view prevents complacency and sharpens focus on what truly matters.Why This Matters TodayWe avoid thinking about death. It feels morbid or distant. Yet Edwards saw it as a gift of clarity: death strips away illusions of control, permanence, and self-sufficiency. In a culture obsessed with youth, productivity, and endless distraction, regularly remembering our mortality reorients us toward eternal values—relationships, faithfulness, and God Himself.As Psalm 90:12 prays: “So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.”Applying Resolution 9 Practically

• Daily reminder: When tempted to waste time or chase trivial things, pause and ask: “If this were my last week, would I spend it this way?”
• In trials: When facing pain or loss, remember that death’s circumstances are common to all—use it to deepen dependence on Christ.
• In decisions: Weigh choices by asking, “Will this matter when I stand before God?”
• Gratitude practice: Reflecting on death increases thankfulness for life’s gifts—family, breath, salvation.

Reflection Questions

• How often do I think about my own death? Does avoiding it dull my spiritual sensitivity?
• What current pursuit would look insignificant if I knew my time was short?
• How might meditating on death increase my love for God and others?

Edwards reviewed his resolutions weekly, partly to keep death and eternity near. A brief moment of reflection each day or week can do the same for us.Resolution 9 is not grim—it is liberating. Keeping death in view frees us to live fully for what lasts. What thoughts does this resolution stir in you? Share in the comments or on X and Facebook @kateyakli(Rooted Africa).We continue tomorrow with Resolution 10.This is Day 9 in our daily series on Jonathan Edwards' 70 Resolutions.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

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