Scripture: Hebrews 12: 4-8
You have not yet struggled to the point of shedding blood in your striving against sin; 5 and you have [c]forgotten the divine word of encouragement which is addressed to you as sons,
“My son, do not make light of the discipline of the Lord, And do not lose heart and give up when you are corrected by Him; 6 For the Lord disciplines and corrects those whom He loves, And He punishes every son whom He receives and welcomes [to His heart].”
7 You must submit to [correction for the purpose of] discipline; God is dealing with you as with sons; for [d]what son is there whom his father does not discipline? 8 Now if you are exempt from correction and without discipline, in which all [of God’s children] share, then you are illegitimate children and not sons [at all].
Scripture Commentary:
God is not only a disciplining parent but also a demanding coach who pushes us to our limits and requires our lives to be disciplined. Although we are constantly striving and may not feel strong enough to push on to victory, we will be able to accomplish it as we follow Christ. Draw on His strength! Then we can use our growing strength to help those around us who are weak and struggling.
We may respond to discipline in several ways:
- We can accept it with resignation
- If we think we don’t deserve it, we can accept it with self-pity
- We can be angry and resentful toward God
- Or, we can accept it gratefully, as the appropriate response we owe to a loving Father.
Do you love and obey your Father or are you not listening?
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