Righteous discipline
by Anne Hansen
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We have all had human fathers who trained us for a little while. They did what they thought was best. But God trains us for our good. He does this so we may share in his holiness (Hebrews 12:9a,10).
Read Hebrews 12:4–11
I really enjoy gardening. I think there is something very therapeutic about having your hands in dirt and seeing plants grow under your care. When I plant little tomato plants, they grow for a little while on their own, but if I leave them without support, they can easily be broken in the wind and rain. So, I tie a stake to the flimsy stem to help it grow straight. As the tomato plant grows, a larger stake is needed so it can get tall and produce a lot of fruit. When tying the plant to the stake, I am not doing it to hurt the plant, but to support it, care for it and help it produce fruit.
God loves you so much that he does all he can to support and protect you from all the evils in the world. He has sent his Holy Spirit to help us when needed, and so we can know his love. He sent his only Son to die for our sins and to assure us of his forgiveness and life forever with him.
God also sent his word for us to read, learn from and understand his ways. Then God also placed us in families to guide, lead and protect each person so that they may know God’s love.
But sometimes we make mistakes, and God lovingly corrects us. This correction is to help us grow, be strong and produce fruit – like the tomato plant. God allows us to face the consequences of our sinful actions or tells us ‘No’ to keep us safe. We may feel that God is hurting us, but it is his way of helping us to grow straight and strong in his love.
Human parents discipline their children not to hurt them, but to guide and protect them because they love their children so much. God is the same with us. He doesn’t discipline because he is angry or wants to punish. He disciplines because he loves us and wants us to share in his holiness and spend eternal life with him. See the training and correcting from God as a sign of his intense love for you to bear the fruits and be the person God made you to be.
You will have bad days, but God is always there, loving you!
My loving Father, you care for me so much that you correct and train me in your ways. Help me to understand that it is all because of your great love for me. Guide me to listen and follow your commands. Amen.
Anne Hansen has been the Lutheran Tract Mission development officer for 20 years. She lives in Noosa, Queensland, with her husband, Mark, who is a pastor. She enjoys leading Know Your Bible (KYB) and Mainly Music. For relaxation, Anne enjoys walking, reading, gardening and playing pickleball.
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