Hebrews 12:3-13 - Fatherly Discipline

³ Yes, to keep from growing weary and fainthearted, just think of the examples set by Him who has endured so great opposition aimed at Him by sinful men! ⁴ You have not yet, as you have struggled on against sin, resisted to the point of pouring out your blood, ⁵ and you have forgotten the encouragement which is addressed to you as sons: "My son, refrain from thinking lightly of the discipline the Lord inflicts, and giving up when you are corrected by Him. ⁶ For He disciplines everyone He loves, and chastises every son whom He heartily receives."

⁷ You must submit to discipline. God is dealing with you as His sons. For who is the son that his father never disciplines? ⁸ Now if you are without any discipline, in which all true sons share, you are only illegitimate children and not true sons. ⁹ Furthermore, we had earthly fathers who disciplined us, and we used to treat them with respect; how much more cheerfully should we submit to the Father of our spirits, and live! ¹⁰ For they disciplined us only a short time, as it seemed proper to them, but He does it for our good, in order that we may share His holy character. ¹¹ Now for the time being no discipline seems to be pleasant; it is painful; later on, however, to those who are trained by it, it yields the fruit of peace which grows from upright character.

¹² So tighten the grip of your slipping hands; stiffen the stand of your knocking knees; ¹³ and keep your feet in straight paths, so that limbs may not be dislocated, but instead be cured.