The idea that a loving God would intentionally inflict pain on His children is a difficult concept to accept. Yet the author of Hebrews teaches us that God does indeed punish His sons (12:6). It is not a particularly pleasant thought to bear, but it helps if we understand that the true purpose of God’s punishing us is for our discipline.

The author of Hebrews compares God’s discipline to that of earthly fathers. When a father dispenses discipline, he does his best to use good judgment, though the end result may not always be what is best for his son. For example, sometimes the punishment is overly harsh; other times, too lenient. Yet despite our earthly fathers’ fallibility, whenever they disciplined us, “we were respecting them. Will we not much more be submitted to the Father of the רוּחוֹת, ruchot, and live?” (12:9). Since our heavenly Father is perfect, how “much more” should we be receptive to his discipline? This is why we need to remember the exhortation that speaks fully to us as sons:

“My son—be not despising the discipline of Adonai, nor giving up, being rebuked by Him; for whom Adonai loves He disciplines, and He punishes every son whom He receives.” (Hebrews 12:5-6, mjlt)

God’s discipline, then, is only ever for our good (12:10), no matter how harsh we may perceive it to be. “All discipline for the present time, indeed, does not seem to be of joy, but of grief. Yet afterward, it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those trained through it” (12:11). No one enjoys being disciplined, even when we know it is for our own good. But despite the pain it causes, it improves us, reorients us, and leads us into right ways of thinking and acting. God’s hand of correction trains us to steer clear of unrighteousness and unbelief.

There is no reason to fear or despise God’s disci­pline because it proves that “God behaves toward you as toward sons” (12:7). God does not mete out some purposeless punishment, beating us for no reason or because He is a bad father. Rather, God’s discipline is that of a holy and loving Father, and “what son is there whom a father does not discipline” (12:7)? That is, a father who does not discipline his son acts as if he has none.

Ironically, then, it is the lack of discipline that we should fear. Its absence makes our being in Messiah fraudulent, because “if you are apart from discipline… then you are illegitimate, and not sons” (12:8). The fact that we are met with discipline, rebuke, and punishment is evidence not just of God’s correction and guidance, but of His love and our sonship—it is evidence that we are His. When punishment comes—especially in the form of persecution—it is proof that we are legitimate children of God, and truly part of His family.

If God did not love us and consider us His sons, then He would not care enough to pay us any attention, or to discipline us when He determines we need it. He would simply let us go our own way, wandering off to our destruction. But instead, our loving Father chooses exactly the perfect correction for us, preparing our hearts to righteously face the hardships of life. God’s rebuke is something we should never reject, because He loves us enough to genuinely care for our welfare in the first place.

As followers of Messiah, we will have times of struggle—seasons when we have to endure difficulty and troubles. But we must remember that it is part of how God disciplines, corrects, and trains us for the building of our fortitude and character. It hurts, but it is instructive. It can be harsh, but it keeps us focused on the goal: Yeshua. The discipline is for our purification and perseverance.

Whatever trial and adversity you are going through today, remember that the Master Himself suffered too. It is these times of great grief and pain that God has permitted or designed, not for your destruction, but for your strengthening and stamina—for making you ready to finish your race. Don’t give up. Let the moment teach, guide, and refine you. Because all discipline from God is good, and it proves to us just how deeply our Father loves us and how He truly considers us to be His.

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