Hebrews 12:3-13 - Fatherly Discipline

3 Think of the opposition that he encountered from those sinners against themselves, if you would not grow weary and faint-hearted. 4 You have not yet resisted unto death in your struggle with sin, 5 and you have forgotten the challenge addressed to you as God's sons, "My son, do not think lightly of the Lord's discipline, Or give up when he corrects you. 6 For it is those whom the Lord loves that he disciplines, And he chastises every son that he acknowledges."

7 You must submit to it as discipline. God is dealing with you as his sons. For where is there a son whom his father does not discipline? 8 But if you have none of that discipline which all sons undergo, you are illegitimate children, and not true sons. 9 When our earthly fathers disciplined us we treated them with respect; should we not far more submit to the Father of our spirits, and so have life? 10 For they disciplined us for a short time and as they thought proper, but he does it for our good, to make us share his holiness. 11 Discipline is never pleasant at the time; it is painful; but to those who are trained by it, it afterward yields the peace of character.

12 So tighten your loosening hold! Stiffen your wavering stand! 13 And keep your feet in straight paths, so that limbs that are lame may not be dislocated but instead be cured.