Hebrews 12:7
It is for discipline that you endure; God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom his father does not discipline.
Some things come naturally to us. As children, we inherently learn that certain actions will have unwanted consequences. You don’t stare at the sun or your eyes will go painfully dark; you don’t walk in the snow barefoot or your feet will turn black and blue.
Many consequences must be taught to us though. I have two loving parents that dedicated much of their time and energy to instructing my siblings and me. Due to an unusually thick skull, much of my father’s time was also spend disciplining me for refusing his instructions. He disciplined me because he loved me.
As a child, I wasn’t always appreciative of his discipline. Many of my friends were allowed to do much more than I was. And when they broke their fathers’ rules, the consequences were never as harsh as mine were.
Good discipline pays off though. Through my father’s hand, the Lord instilled virtue and character in me that lasts even today. Now, outside of my father’s house, I am coming to recognize the discipline of God. He continues to instruct me and to reveal the consequences of my sins. He disciplines me because He loves me. I may not always appreciate His discipline as it is presented to me, but in retrospect, it always points to the greatness of my heavenly Father’s love.