Discipline Hurts and Heals
By Shauna Leis
“Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent.”
Revelation 3:19
When I was a little girl and had done something wrong, my parents would quickly come and discipline me. Sometimes my infraction would only require a stern word, sometimes time by myself to think about it, and sometimes it was severe enough of a wrongdoing to spank me and set it right again. So often, their words would ring in my ears, “This hurts me more than it does you.” Oh, how I hated to hear those words and thought, “how ridiculous, I am the one receiving the punishment.”
But, then, many years later, God blessed me with two very precious children of my own. Now, I find myself in the same precarious position my parents found themselves in when I was a child, having to discipline my children and utter those same words “This hurts me more than it does you.” And my parents were so very right; it wounds my heart every time I have to take away privileges, give a stern word, or even spank. But, I know that it is the only way to help my children learn right from wrong and how to live their lives for God.
God feels much the same way about us! I truly believe that every time we have done something wrong in our Christian walk and have sinned against Him, God disciplines us in some manner and mutters the same, exact words, “Precious child, this hurts me so much more than it does you.” The only reason that he rebukes us is because He loves us so very much, just as the verse reminds us in Revelation. He loves us so much that He sent his one and only son to die for us on the cross. Now that has to be the ultimate love.
When I have done something wrong, I run to Him and beg Him to forgive me. Many times I claim Jeremiah 10:23-24 “I know, O Lord, that a man’s life is not his own; it is not for man to direct his steps. Correct me, LORD, but only with justice – not in your anger, lest you reduce me to nothing.” Just like with my own children, my prayer is that God will choose to discipline me out of love and justice, not anger and condemnation. God’s goal is also to show me right from wrong and how to live my life for Him. Romans 8 indicates “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.” Christ never condemns us for our sins and wrongdoings – He only asks that we confess them and repent.
Hopefully, as we live our lives, we learn to sin less and less as we are becoming more and more like Jesus. But, when we do, we know that we have a God that loves us dearly and disciplines only to bring us back onto the right path.
Pray with me: Precious God, we are so sorry when we do things that are wrong and hurt you. We know that it saddens you and breaks your heart, especially when you have to discipline us for our own good. Lord, we pray that when you do have to discipline us that you will do it with justice and your all consuming love. Show us how to become more like you in our daily walks through this life. You are the best example of righteousness by your perfect life in this world. We pray that you will strengthen us each day to live as you would have us to live!