We have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? (Heb. 12:9)
If hardships are not punitive, then why does God allow them? The writer of Hebrews provides the answer: “He disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness” (Heb. 12:10).
God has no desire to harm His children, but in a manner similar to an earthly father, He wants to train us in character and conduct that will guard us from danger and lead to future blessings.
When a mother took her fevered child to the doctor, she promised the needed shot “would not hurt.” The doctor knew that was not true, and he spoke honestly to the child: “I may hurt you, but I will not harm you.”
God’s discipline operates similarly. It may hurt (all discipline does), but its design is never for our harm. Instead, God produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those trained by his discipline. He is a good Father, who loves us with the tenderness, wisdom, and power that are best for our spiritual health and eternal good!
Prayer
Father, I must admit that I don’t enjoy your discipline. But help me to accept correction or training from your gracious hand, realizing that your goal is to make me mature and complete in Christ.