02 May Hebrews 12:7 Hardship as Discipline #132
We have probably all come across parents who don’t discipline their children. It’s not my place to judge these situations, because clearly I have no room to say anything, but hopefully you know what I am talking about. Whether it’s those families you know personally or the stranger in public who is making quite the scene, it’s heartbreaking to see or hear a dysfunctional family that has little to no discipline amidst lots of disorder and misconduct.
My first thoughts are, “shouldn’t the parents care more? If they loved their children, wouldn’t they want the best for them?” This is exactly why God disciplines His children, including you. God doesn’t discipline as a form of punishment, but He does it because He loves you. Hebrews 12:5-7 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.” Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father?
God is just like any loving parent who wants the best for their children. Just as a parent would, He takes action and disciplines His children out of the desire to teach a lesson. God wants to train you up to be made in His image and refine you into the best person you can be.
Instead of responding to the Lord’s discipline with anger or resentment, accept it with a loving response. Discipline might not seem good at the time, but later on, it will produce a harvest of righteousness and peace (Hebrews 12:11). Don’t lose heart, but endure every trial and hardship you face as discipline. Be thankful that the Lord loves you so much that He stretches you and refines you to be the best YOU!
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Lily
Posted at 10:41h, 02 MayVery well said, Caroline! It can be hard to not be angry, but in the long run it is beneficial to us. I hope you have a wonderful Monday!
Meredith // It\'s Positive!
Posted at 15:26h, 02 MaySuch a privilege to be HIS! Thanks for reminding us 🙂
Mihaela Echols
Posted at 16:27h, 02 MayMy friend and I where talking about this today. we get our girls together because we actually discipline them but we dont hang around other moms who dont because its not fun for us its draining.
Andrea
Posted at 16:35h, 02 Mayoh yes – He’s definitely disciplining me now 🙂
Claudia Nowak
Posted at 17:14h, 02 MayI like this
Faith
Posted at 20:13h, 02 MayI’ve come to see His discipline as the pruning Jesus talks about in John 15. It’s painful, but it makes me grow into a stronger and more fruitful tree.
Marie Wikle
Posted at 20:32h, 02 Maylove is always the great motivator. Hard to accept sometimes but when the answer to our prayer is a ginormous NO, we have to remember it is always with love
Tara
Posted at 10:43h, 03 MayNo one likes discipline, but it is SO important! It’s never pleasant to be disciplined ourselves, either, but I am glad that God does!
Pamela
Posted at 15:49h, 03 MayI’ve found that those who fail to discipline only make it harder on themselves. To discipline and train a child makes for a cheerful home. We we accept discipline from God, we are making a cheerful heart that draws others to our God.
Tedi @ Running with Infertility
Posted at 21:05h, 03 MayThanks for the wonderful reminder. 🙂
ellesees.net
Posted at 06:46h, 04 Maya great way to think about this–not to look at it with anger or resentment!
Keri Underwood
Posted at 10:21h, 04 MayThis is great! So many people have a misconception of God’s discipline. I think one thing to keep in mind as well is the bigger picture. Sometimes we loose sight of the long term picture. Sometimes we don’t know the big picture! But knowing that God’s hand is in it all and will work it all out for His glory can save us form lots of confusion and heartache. Knowing that each pain and tough time is strengthening us and molding us for His purpose will give us the drive and determination to push through and rely on Him.
http://www.littlelightonahill.com
Jojo
Posted at 21:28h, 05 MayI never saw it in this perspective. Makes perfect sense. I do think discipline is important for all of us.