I read George Mattheson's book "The spiritual development of Paul" last night and he mentioned Three kinds of Pain experienced by Paul. George was a Scottish pastor last century who lost sight but wrote a very beautiful hymn "O Love that wilt not let me go"
The first pain is Paul's eye disease. It's caused during Damascus conversion by the great light of Jesus. It's his body thorn not put away though after continual pleading.
The second pain is Paul's own inner conflicts through understanding of human nature mentioned clearly in Roman 7. Though according to NP explanation of Pauline theology it may not necessarily be Paul's own testimony.
The third pain is his receiving personal attack through interactions with the members in Corinthian churches and Galatia region.
These three kinds of pain are also common among our life and service.
Personally I thank God that I am still physically OK and clear of psychological guilt in conscience. But from time to time in the past I also have received attacks in personal relationships due to misunderstandings and various causes.
May Paul's pain just alert us in our humility before the Great God.
May Mattheson's song & His great Love always grasp us and not let us give up.
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