“For those whom the Lord loves He disciplines…”  Hebrews 12:6

In a culture that promotes tolerance and affirmation as the hallmarks of love, the concept of loving discipline can seem harsh and outdated. Yet God’s love is perfect because it both affirms and corrects. Our heavenly Father loves us too much to leave us as we are. So, how do we know when our suffering or hardship is the result of God’s discipline?

Well, Scripture tells us again and again to examine our own hearts and actions. Certain types of suffering, like those resulting from addiction or reckless decisions, have a clear connection to our choices. But beyond that, God can use trials as a form of discipline to draw us back to Him. Just as an earthly father trains his child, God shapes us through discipline, guiding us away from harmful paths and toward righteousness (Hebrews 12:7).

If we repeatedly struggle or feel distant from God, there may be an area of life that’s not fully surrendered to Him. This isn’t something to take lightly. Paul warned believers to approach God’s table with a clean heart, because unconfessed sin can lead to consequences, including sickness and even death (1 Corinthians 11:28–32). Paul encourages us to examine ourselves, aligning our thoughts, attitudes, and actions with God’s Word.

When we judge ourselves rightly, seeking His forgiveness and guidance, we open the door for God’s grace to restore and renew us. Remember, God’s discipline is neither cruel nor arbitrary—it’s His perfect love in action. Love without discipline leads to rebellion, just as discipline without love leads to resentment.

The loving discipline of God reminds us that we belong to Him and are being molded into His likeness. So, if you can sin repeatedly without sensing the conviction of the Holy Spirit, that’s a warning signal that you aren’t a child of God but are still in need of His salvation (Hebrews 12:8).

Do you wonder, “Why am I going through this?” Then examine yourself. First, are you certain you are a genuine follower of Jesus? If so, what areas of your thought life need God’s correction? What ungodly attitude or behavior do you need to surrender? Pray. Invite the Father’s gentle but firm guidance to lead you back to fellowship with Him.

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Bucky Kennedy

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