The Discipline of Love

In Hebrews 12 we read that God disciplines His children. We understand that a child without any discipline is a child that is not truly loved. Discipline and love go together. Here is what we read in Hebrews 12: 5 And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons: “My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; 6 For whom the Lord loves He chastens, And scourges every son whom He receives. The writer of Hebrews is reminding us that God chastens or disciplines His children and He does it out of love. I admit that I rarely like this kind of discipline. It’s not something that I desire and yet I understand that it is absolutely necessary in my life. I understand that God disciplines me because He loves me. But how do you know when God is disciplining you?

In my life I think I know when God is disciplining me because the Holy Spirit convicts me of sin and not following the word of God. I can “hear” God’s voice “telling” me that something is wrong. When I don’t follow God’s words, I can be assured that discipline is coming. But it’s a discipline that is meant to spur me on to love and good works. I hope you will accept the chastening of the Lord…He only does it out of love. What areas of your life might you be experiencing the discipline of the Lord? What changes should you make?