Cavities

However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. 1 Peter 4:16 NIV

Pain at the hands of my dentist is not comparable to suffering as a Christian, I know, but hear me out. I had to get a cavity filled, one that's been brewing for a couple of years but I'd managed to keep it healthy for a while. It finally gave out. One can easily be ashamed of having a cavity because others assume you didn't take care of your teeth. But this is not the case, at least not always.

Many things affect the health of our teeth and it's important to keep them healthy, even if that means braving a filling or root canal. It's nothing to be ashamed of. Be proud you took the time to see to your health.

God works in us and sometimes it's painful. It's easy to feel shame for what we've done, not wanting to share the healing God has provided because the reason for the healing is also painful and we don't want others to know. They might assume the worst.

This verse tells us there is no shame in Christ and for those that bear his name. Nothing is so bad that God can't heal us and offer hope to others in need of healing.

So be proud of that cavity and let the world know how God provided the healing.