I have read this passage of scripture many times, but I’ve never seen it like this before. Did you know that discipline (training) has some wonderful qualities?  They literally jumped off the page as I was reading!  

What comes to your mind when you hear the word discipline? Personally, when I think about discipline, I think about punishment, pain, and suffering. Nothing good usually comes to my mind. I think about spankings, getting grounded, or time outs, and honestly, none of those feel good! 

Hebrews 12: 3-11 (ESV)

So, what does this word discipline mean?  The Strong’s Concordance says it means: 

  • Training and education 
  • Tutoring 
  • Correction 
  • Nurture 
  • Instruction.  

The Holy Spirit longs to teach and train you!  He disciplines the one he loves; (Heb 12:6) but sometimes you might think you’re being punished.  You must settle this in your heart– GOD is not punishing you!  He LOVES you!  He trains, nurtures, corrects, instructs, and educates you because he LOVES you so much!  Although, at times the correction or instruction may seem a little painful, it’s really producing something extremely valuable!  Think about “resistance training.”  This involves physical exercise to improve your strength and endurance. The pain involved could cause you to give up, but as you continue to work-out, it gets much easier. It’s the same principle with the God’s training and instruction.  

So, what are the RESULTS of God’s discipline?  Read through the qualities of discipline and you’ll see the results at the bottom!  

DISCIPLINE                =       Is Valuable and has Purpose

DISCIPLINE                =       Is Love

DISCIPLINE                =       Validates & Confirms sonship

DISCIPLINE                =       Trains to endure

DISCIPLINE                =       Respects

DISCIPLINE                =       Is good

DISCIPLINE                =       An invitation to share in his holiness

DISCIPLINE                =       A process that produces results

FINAL RESULTS      =       Transformation of character

The result of discipline is TRANSFORMATION OF CHARACTER!  So don’t give up or resist the training no matter how hard or painful it may seem!  Your character is under construction and being developed.  The Holy Spirit will be your greatest teacher and instructor.  You can do all things through Christ!

By Stephanie Jones