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Most of us can remember a time when we were absolutely humiliated by a mistake we made or an embarrassing situation in which we found ourselves. In fact, if you’re like me, you’re mentally cringing even now as you think of that time.

You may be surprised to know, then, that humiliation can serve a valuable function in your life. St. John Climacus says:

A little fire softens a large piece of wax. So, too, a small indignity often softens, sweetens and wipes away suddenly all the fierceness, insensibility and hardness of our heart.

So in the end, as painful as it is at the time, embarrassment can make you a better person.