GOD'S DISCIPLINE

For consider him that endured such contradiction (hostility) of sinners against himself, unless you be wearied and faint (be discouraged) in your minds (souls). You have not yet resisted unto blood (bloodshed), striving against sin. And you have forgotten the exhortation which (was spoken) speaketh unto you as unto children (sons), MY SONS, DESPISE NOT THOU THE CHASTENING (DISCIPLINE) OF THE LORD, NOR FAINT (BE DISCOURAGED) WHEN THOU ARE REBUKED OF HIM: FOR WHOM THE LORD LOVE HE CHASTEN, AND SCOURGE EVERY SON WHOM HE RECEIVE. If you endue chastening, God deal with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasten not? But if you be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards (iligitimate), and not sons. Furthermore, we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence (respect): shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? For they (earthly fathers) verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure (as seemed best unto them); but HE (the Lord) for our profit, that we might be partakers of His holiness. Now no chastening (discipline) for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yeilds the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised (trained) thereby. Hebrews 12:3-11.

Paraphased: Because you are the Lord's child, He will discipline you; just as your earthly father disciplines you. Do not despise the Lord for his chastening; He does so because He loves you. When your earthly father disciplines you; you know that he does so because he wants to teach you to do right. You understand and respect your earthly father for the discipline; it is no more than right to give the Lord the same respect and understanding? No one wants to be disciplined...it is painful; but when you are disciplined you are trained to do the right things. Remember, our Lord shed His blood for us, He did not faint. So, I share with you...when you find that things are not going your way...don't be weary and don't faint...you will reap joy if you faint not.