“My son, do not despise the LORD’s discipline and do not resent his rebuke, because the LORD disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.” (Proverbs 3:11-12)
Here’s a hard idea: God disciplines his kids. That includes you if you’re trusting in Christ for your salvation. Listen close, though: God does not punish his kids for their sin. Jesus has already been punished for our sin. The punishment for sin is death and hell. God has zeroed out that debt for Christians.
But God does discipline his kids – and that is a huge difference. His discipline seems to involve allowing enough pain to come our way to get our hearts back in line with him, to get our feet back on the path he has called us to.
Not all kids take being disciplined very well. Some get angry and resentful. Others rebel even more. Some get discouraged and want to give up at the very thought that they aren’t perfect, after all.
Faith that works says, “I was wrong. God loves me and is right to correct me or discipline me. I will accept that and move closer to him by obeying him.”
Think: How do you receive being corrected, rebuked, or disciplined? Why is it so hard to take it well? How is correction and discipline evidence of God’s love for you?
Pray: Ask God to help you not to resent his discipline or correction, but to received it well because you know he loves you.
Do: Read more about God’s discipline in Hebrews 12:1-13.