Dec 11 – Chastening!

“No chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.” (Hebrews 12:11)

No one enjoys being disciplined. Yet, discipline is essential for a person’s correction and growth. God’s discipline may seem painful at the moment, but in time, we will see that it brings blessing into our lives.

We discipline our children with a rod – not out of cruelty, but for their good. But how does God discipline adults? Governments use fines, punishments, and prisons to correct wrongdoing. Yet, many sins and secret acts go unseen by human eyes. How then does God correct a believer who errs in the heart?

The Bible says, “For whom the Lord loves He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives.” (Hebrews 12:6)

When God corrects us, we must remember that His discipline comes out of His love. Out of deep concern for us, He allows trials, hardships, and sufferings to shape us and bring us onto the right path.

The Word of God says: “If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten? But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons. Furthermore, we have had human fathers who corrected us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much more readily be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live?” (Hebrews 12:7-9)

Notice the phrase “those who have been trained by it” in the opening verse. Yes, through discipline, the Lord trains us – He teaches us to walk in holiness. As the Wonderful Counsellor, He uses discipline to instruct us in valuable spiritual lessons. If we embrace these lessons early, they will safeguard us until we reach His eternal kingdom.

Dear child of God, do not despise the Lord’s discipline. He will lift you up in honour at the end of His refining process. Do not be discouraged.

Verse for further meditation: “The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.” (Psalm 34:18-19)