Discipline is Love?

Hebrews 12:3-17

I once heard it said that “God’s love is not a pampering love, but a perfecting love”. I also realize that is not just God’s goal just to save us, but to change us. Perhaps it is shocking to us, when reading the above passage, how tough Biblical Christianity is. Yet even more shocking, perhaps, is how soft and untested many Christians are who have not faced any sort of persecution. The writer points his readers squarely to Jesus, “Consider Him who endured from sinners such hostility against Himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted” (v.3). We are to draw courage from Jesus’ steadfast example of honoring God no matter the cost. Believers should appreciate those who are changed and transformed into Christlikeness, thanking God for their example and for the grace of Christ evident in their lives. They have known the deep privilege of suffering discipline as the children of God. “The Lord disciplines the one He loves, and chastises every son whom He receives. It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons” (vv.6-7). May God use this passage to help those who face trials to see them as fatherly discipline toward “the peaceful fruit of righteousness” (v.11). And may He move those of us who do not face persecution to pray for our brothers and sisters who do. 

Questions for further thought:
1. Where are you facing trials right now?
2. (Even though they are hard) In what ways could looking as these trials as love from our Heavenly Father change your outlook on the situation?

Challenge: When God is challenging and correcting our lives, it can be a painful process. Remember that He disciplines those He loves (Heb.12:6). Pray that you would be humble and teachable during the loving work of transformation.