Hebrews 12:11-14 "Now, discipline always seems painful rather than pleasant at the time..."

Now, discipline always seems painful rather than pleasant at the time, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint, but rather be healed. Pursue peace with everyone. (Hebrews 12:11-14)

Comment:

This passage offers guidance and encouragement for us in trying times. It helps not to think of discipline as punishment, but rather as negative consequences of our negative choices. It is by moving through such consequences that we learn to make better, more loving choices—choices that will result in “the peaceful fruit of righteousness.” If we accept our trying times as punishment, or as our inevitable fate, then we are choosing to continue in that negative state. We are taking our temporary lameness, putting it out of joint, and affirming a permanent disability. If we keep moving forward and focus on being at peace with everyone, including God and ourselves, then the gifts of the spiritual discipline will become readily apparent.

Blessings!

Rev. Ed