How to Stop the Pain: Discover Emotional Freedom from the Pain of Suffering by Entering Into the Realm of God's Love

Before I read this book a good friend of mine would often quote from it or use what Dr. Richards said trying to convince me to stop my judgment of others. I thought he was foolish for letting go of the "gift" of judgment. I held on to the pain others had caused me for my entire Christian journey. I actually felt I was benefitting from filtering every experience through my own judgmental "lenses". I was harshly critical of my brothers and sisters in Christ and of the delegated authority God had placed me under. I ended up reading the book, and the Holy Spirit used it to set me free from my judgmental mindsets. The quote on the front --"pain is inevitable. suffering is optional" is the best summary of this book. People will hurt you-they are people, after all. But YOU make the choice to hold on to that pain or to let it go and live in freedom-it could be the most important decision you ever make as a Christian. This book above all others has CHANGED MY LIFE. I recommend it to absolutely everyone. The many applicable bible passages are collected and expounded on in this one resource. Get it!

Most people have no idea of how many judgements they have made over their life time that keep them in bondage. This book will expose the way you think and the significance you placed on actions of other people that really were not about you in the first place. This book is excellent material for a small group book study.

Every time I read one of James Richards books (I've read five) I declare it to be the "most amazing" Christian teaching book Ive ever read! How To Stop The Pain truly delivers a 'most amazing' biblical view on a difficult, rarely embraced (personally embraced) subject. I have underlining on nearly every page! This is NOT one of those "C'mon solider, pull your self up by the boot straps, suck it up, stuff it down and "act" like a good Christian" books! At no point will you feel condemned, instead you will feel motivated and greatly encouraged to truly release the source of the pain in your life. Imagine what life would be like if you never got your feelings hurt, got offended, felt inadequate or judged again....... Joy, Peace, FREEDOM. If you really what to break out of some paradigms, this is the read for you. Get ready to enjoy many many "ah-ha" revelations. "It IS for freedom that Christ set us free" (Check out James Richards "Heart Physics" 30 day program for a more indepth launch into the life Christ died to give you.)

The topic of judging others and its fruit is a bit tough to "own" but I've found that my judgements have impacted every area of my life. Walking free of the need to judge others and even myself has been liberating.I highly recomend this book. Pastor Ed Johnsonlaklandbelieverschurch.com