Hebrews 12:5-7
5 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,
6because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.”7 Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father?
Reflection
Today our scripture illustrates that God has encouragement for us. God knows that in our lives we will not understand everything. We may be asking right now, “Why, God? Why?” We may not get the answers we want and certainly may not understand them. However, God wants us to be encouraged and understand that if we’re experiencing God’s discipline, then it’s for our own good and because God loves us. Good parents discipline their children because of love. They’re training and teaching the children because that’s best for them. God is the same way. The book of James says the “testing of your faith produces perseverance,” so you should “consider it pure joy…whenever you face trials.” It may sound crazy, but try to remember that God wouldn't discipline you if God didn't love you and believe in you.
Is it hard for you to think about God disciplining us? Does it help to know it is out of love?
