Love’s Comfort

Heb.12:5  “And have you forgotten the encouraging words God spoke to you as his children? He said, “My child, don’t make light of the Lord’s discipline, and don’t give up when he corrects you”

Being at peace with others does not mean keeping peace. Being at peace with others is making peace. There is a huge difference between keeping peace and making peace. Similarly, there is a huge difference between correction and revenge. Correcting a wrong is different from taking revenge based on that wrong. A teenage girl and her mother came to church for one of our mid week services [Thrive] and that day we talked about forgiveness. Prior to their coming for the service, the girl had done something very naughty and her mother had assured her that there would be consequences.

So after the message on forgiveness, the teenage girl was really happy. And on their way home the girl began to engage her mother. “Mum, you heard the sermon today right? Pastor says we should forgive one another. Mum, I need to forgive you and you need to forgive me.” Surprised, the mother asked, “What exactly are you forgiving me for?” “You have done a lot of bad things to me, Mum and I have forgiven you and so you have to forgive me also.” the girl said. The mother then said, “I have forgiven you but you will still get punished for doing wrong.” The teenage girl was confusing correction with revenge.

Correcting a wrong is different from taking revenge and God shows us this clearly in His Word. Heb.12:6 “For the Lord disciplines those he loves  and he punishes each one he accepts as his child.” 7 As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as his own children. Who ever heard of a child who is never disciplined by its father? 8 If God doesn’t discipline you as he does all of his children, it means that you are illegitimate and are not really his children at all.”

God punishes us. God disciplines His children. Some people do not understand this part of God. They think God only blesses. God deals with His children. One proof that you are a child of God sometimes, is your scars. Personally, I do not trust people without scars.

Prayer: Father, I will not make light of Your discipline and I will not give up when You correct me. Thank You for loving me Father, in Jesus Name. Amen!