Be thankful for discipline
5And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons:
"My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline,
and do not lose heart when he rebukes you,
6because the Lord disciplines those he loves,
and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son."[a]
7Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? 8If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. 9Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! 10Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. 11No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.
How about you?Do you enjoy being disciplined? No one does! But the discipline you receive from your parents helps you grow into a mature, responsible adult. Even if you think your parents aren't always fair in their discipline, remember that God is in control, and His chastening is always "just right". Don't resent discipline- be glad someone cares.
To memorize: Hebrews 12:6
because the Lord disciplines those he loves,
and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son
