"And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons: "My son, do not despise the chastening of the LORD, Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; 6 For whom the LORD loves He chastens, And scourges every son whom He receives." 7 If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten?" -Hebrews 12:5-7
Growing up I received a lot of correction from my step father. I would say it was to the point of abuse. I remember coming home one day after school, I was in 5th or 6th grade at the time and he greeted me at the door with a punch straight to the gut. According to him I needed to have my shirt tucked in and it wasn't. (wasn't a uniform school either) Similar discipline happened throughout the years as I grew up, until one day he just lost his mind from doing so much drugs. He eventually got into trouble with the law and was deported. I never saw him again. Though the physical abuse was out of my life, rebellion wasn't. Although I hated his discipline methods and do not endorse them or excuse them whatsoever, It wasn't till he was removed that I rebelled. Being 13 at the time and with no proper discipline or oversight from my mother who was busy working all the time, I did whatever I wanted; spent idle time in the streets, hung out with the wrong crowd, began to use drugs, was sexually active, and ended up starting and being a part of a gang. Though I did my own thing growing up, I always hated my step father and remained embittered against him up until I got saved and learned to truly forgive him.
As a Christian it was hard for me to accept the Lord's discipline in my life, I didn't really understand the purpose of a real father other than be someone who punishes you when you're bad. But as I came to know my heavenly Father more and more through His word. I've learned to embrace any discipline that comes my way knowing the HE does it because He loves me and doesn't want me to rebel or stray away from His precepts. He knows just the right amount of correction that you and I need and He will faithfully administer it like the loving Parent that He is. For if God did not discipline us we would then have to question if we are really sons and daughters.
God's correction is to make you better not bitter. So learn to accept correction and ride out the trial for it will lead you to the place of obedience where fruit is found.
As a Christian it was hard for me to accept the Lord's discipline in my life, I didn't really understand the purpose of a real father other than be someone who punishes you when you're bad. But as I came to know my heavenly Father more and more through His word. I've learned to embrace any discipline that comes my way knowing the HE does it because He loves me and doesn't want me to rebel or stray away from His precepts. He knows just the right amount of correction that you and I need and He will faithfully administer it like the loving Parent that He is. For if God did not discipline us we would then have to question if we are really sons and daughters.
God's correction is to make you better not bitter. So learn to accept correction and ride out the trial for it will lead you to the place of obedience where fruit is found.
- HOW HAS DIVINE DISCIPLINE MADE YOU THE PERSON YOU ARE TODAY? WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ABUSE AND LOVING CORRECTION?
- "A believer may pass through much affliction, and yet secure very little blessing from it all. Abiding in Christ is the secret of securing all that the Father meant the chastisement to bring us." - Andrew Murray