Into The Breach – Christian FatherhoodНамуна

Day 7 — Discipline

Read: Hebrews 12:5-11

Most people, when looking back over their lives, are able to point to times of trial as the moments that occasioned their spiritual growth and development of character. For some reasons, the most difficult challenges are those that promote the greatest progress in grace and virtue. This is the perspective in which fathers would like their children to understand the discipline they place upon them as they grow and mature. They hope their children are able to look back and say, “We have had our earthly fathers to discipline us, and we respected them” (v. 9 NABRE). Correction that is not harsh or vengeful, that is consistent and fair, that is executed with love, is necessary for a child’s development. A child who has received this kind of discipline is able to look back on it with gratitude and with respect for his father. 

This fatherly discipline for his son is the perspective in which the writer hopes his readers will understand the suffering they experience as Christians. As the author quotes from Proverbs 3:12, “Whom the Lord loves, he disciplines” (v. 6 NABRE). In fact, suffering for a Christian is not only a sign of God’s love but also a sign that God is dealing with us as his legitimate children (v. 8). Our earthly fathers disciplined us “for a short time as seemed right to them,” that is, during our childhood, they corrected us according to their best judgment (v. 10 NABRE). Likewise, God disciplines us throughout our lives in accordance with his knowledge of what is best for us. The final goal of God’s discipline is “that we may share his holiness” (v. 10 NABRE) and “the peaceful fruit of righteousness” (v. 11 NABRE). 

Reflect: What are some of the benefits that discipline offers? 

Prayer: God our Father, who disciplines the children whom you love, look upon my family with your love, and help me with your grace as I seek to make my home a place to grow in holiness.