The Good Shepherd’s Discipline
Proverbs 12:1 – “Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but whoever hates correction is stupid.”
Hebrews 12:5-13 – “And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says,
“My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.”
Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all. Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live! They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness.
No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.
Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. “Make level paths for your feet,” so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.”
Discipline can feel like distance, but in truth it’s one of the clearest signs of God’s love. A shepherd’s staff isn’t just for defense; it also redirects lost or wandering sheep. In the same way, God’s correction steers us away from cliffs we can’t see. His “no” may protect us from what we would have chosen too soon, and His “wait” may prepare us for what He intends to give in full.
Painful correction isn’t punishment — it’s pruning. It clears what is dead so new life can grow. Though the moment stings, the result is holiness, maturity, and peace. Often, hindsight reveals that what felt like restriction was actually rescue.
The heart of discipline is restoration.
“…but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness.” Hebrews 12:10
God’s goodness is not soft permissiveness; it’s the fierce love of a Father who refuses to let His children settle for less than what’s holy and whole.
Something to contemplate today: How might God’s “no” or “wait” actually be an expression of His goodness?
