Love and Discipline
(Heb. 12:1~13)

There is a saying, “Spare the rod and spoil the child.” We are distressed and we do not like when undergoing discipline. But, after time has passed by, we realize that it was truly meaningful discipline of love. A deeper love rebukes indulgence and leads us to live a changed life through discipline. Therefore, we must know that God disciplines us to express love.

1. Discipline is an expression of God’s love

1) We were all born by receiving God’s extreme love. We were created in God’s image and likeness. (Gen. 1:27)
2) God is not pleased without loving us. He loves us that He gave His only Son as a sacrifice, so He is extremely sorrowful when we do wrong. (John 3:16~17)
3) God disciplines His children because He loves them. Therefore, we must gladly accept God’s discipline. (Heb. 12:5~6)
4) God disciplines us for our good so that we may share in his holiness through discipline. (Heb. 12:10)

2. You are loved by God

1) God demonstrated His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Rom. 5:8)
2) God’s love toward us is so amazing that it is incomprehensible. He loves you as if you are the only person to love.

3. Let’s live a life to be changed

1) We need to whip ourselves to show the truthfulness of repentance. (James 1:22~25)
2) We should not make excuses that it is someone else’s fault, but think that it is our fault. (Gen. 3:11~13)
3) We must live a changed life by being moved by the love of God. (Zeph. 3:16~17)


Conclusion
We have become the children of God with the love of God, the work of the Holy Spirit, the Counselor, and Jesus’ death and resurrection. We must take one step forward and not be discouraged when sufferings come, but become God’s children who please Him by reflecting on ourselves every day.