Daily Devotion - March 1, 2023

We have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? (Heb. 12:9)

If hardships are not punitive, then why does God allow them? The writer of Hebrews provides the answer: “He disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness” (Heb. 12:10). 

God has no desire to harm his children, but in a manner similar to an earthly father, he wants to train us in character and conduct that will guard us from danger and lead to future blessings.

When a mother took her fevered child to the doctor, she promised the needed shot “would not hurt.” The doctor knew that was not true, and he spoke honestly to the child: “I may hurt you, but I will not harm you.”

God’s discipline operates similarly. It may hurt (all discipline does), but its design is never for our harm. Instead, God produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those trained by his discipline. He is a good Father, who loves us with the tenderness, wisdom, and power that are best for our spiritual health and eternal good!

Prayer: Father, I must admit that I don’t enjoy your discipline. But help me to accept correction or training from your gracious hand, realizing that your goal is to make me mature and complete in Christ.