Hebrews
12:5-6 (NIV) says “And
have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that
addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says, ‘My
son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose
heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines the one he
loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.’”
Note:
The above reference to “son” includes both male and female.
Hebrews
12:7-11 (NIV) says
“Endure
hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For
what children are not disciplined by their father? If you are not
disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not
legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all. Moreover, we have
all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for
it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and
live! They
disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God
disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his
holiness. No
discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on,
however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those
who have been trained by it.”
WHO LOVES MORE?
Who
loves his child more...the father who allows the child to do what
will harm him, or the one who corrects, trains, and even punishes the
child to help him learn what is right? It’s never pleasant to be
corrected and disciplined by God, but His discipline is a sign of His
deep love for us. When God corrects you, see it as proof of His love
and ask Him what He is trying to teach you.
HOW
DO YOU ACCEPT DISCIPLINE?
You
may respond to discipline in several different ways: (1) you can
accept it with resignation; (2) You can accept it with self-pity,
thinking you really don’t deserve it; (3) You can be angry and
resentful toward God; or (4) You can accept it gratefully, as the
appropriate response you owe a loving God.
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 may not feel strong enough to push on to victory, we will
be able to accomplish it as we follow Christ and draw on His
strength.
Then,
we can use our growing strength to help those around us who are weak
and struggling.
End
Of Post