“For the time being no discipline brings joy, but seems sad and painful, yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness (right standing with God and a lifestyle and attitude that seeks conformity to God’s will and purpose)” (Heb 12:11; AMP). God disciplines us to help us grow up into Christlikeness, dedicated to serving God and spreading the gospel. God disciplines those He loves (Rev 3:19). Jesus likened Himself to a vine and we, the branches in the vine, saying that the Father prunes the branches to become more and more fruitful (John 15:1-2). God does not use sickness or any kind of misfortune to prune or discipline us.

In Hebrews 12:5-12 (NKJV) we are told that God chastens us, the Greek word for chasten can also be translated discipline or instruct. He chastens His sons and (daughters) whom He loves (Heb 12:6). The writer of Hebrews says that if we don’t receive chastening, we are “illegitimate and not sons” (Heb 12:8) God uses His word to chasten or instruct us. As we read and study, we will come across verses that jump out at us and in some cases challenge us to change, we may respond with an “ouch.” Don’t skip those verses that bring discipline or call for change, God knows you need to respond, so you can grow. I came across this verse in Proverbs 12:1 (NKJV), “Whoever loves instruction loves knowledge. But he who hates correction is stupid.” Wow, that’s blunt and but certainly got my attention! God loves us and wants us to grow into all His fullness, so let’s take note of His discipline and respond. Is that an amen or another ouch?