Pastor Lawson Perdue

It might surprise you to consider that the blessing of discipline is how God uses it to shape our character. Most people hear the words “God’s discipline” and immediately picture God as angry and administering punishment to people. Discipline shouldn’t be viewed as a terrible thing. If you look at God’s Word, you will discover that God’s discipline is positive because it instructs and corrects us so that we can be more Christ-like. In fact, God’s discipline is essential in the lives of Christ’s disciples.

What is God’s discipline?

Depending on your Bible translation, you might encounter the words “chasten” or “rebuke.” God’s discipline involves training us to listen to Him and follow His ways so that we can thrive in our calling and avoid pitfalls from the enemy. God’s discipline doesn’t come from a power-hungry, angry God but from a loving heavenly Father who desires the best for His children. God is the Creator who knows what is best for His created beings. When you buy a product, you are wise to follow the manufacturer’s detailed instructions for proper use of the product.

Most parents recognize that discipline can be a way to train their children and help them make good choices and remain safe. Ephesians 6:4 speaks to fathers about their children and advises fathers to “bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” It is vital for parents to train and discipline their children according to God’s guidelines, which help develop the unique characteristics created by God in each child.

How does God discipline us?

Some people accuse God of sending sickness, poverty, and other disasters to people as a form of his discipline to punish them. No good earthly father would discipline his child by those methods, so how can someone believe a perfect heavenly Father would use those methods?

God uses His Word to show us His plans that we should follow. Throughout the Bible we are reminded that there are natural consequences for not following what He says. God’s discipline is explained in 2 Timothy 3:16–17, “All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

The goal of God’s discipline is to shape our character to be like His character. When we follow what the Bible says, we will have the fruit of the Spirit operating in our lives so we can be fully equipped for all that God calls us to be and to do.

More of God’s Discipline Verses:

Proverbs 13:24 points out, “He who spares his rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him early.” Love should always be the motivating factor to discipline a child, and not the excuse to let the child do whatever makes the child happy.

Proverbs 19:18 says, “Chasten your son while there is hope, and let not your soul spare for his crying.” This verse points out that effective discipline involves a time factor. Many parents find their teenager or young adult child being disrespectful and unruly because they chose not to discipline and set boundaries when their child was young before they formed bad or destructive habits.

Proverbs 3:11–12 says, “My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, nor be weary of His correction; for whom the Lord loves He corrects, even as a father the son in whom he delights.”

These verses are quoted again in the New Testament in Hebrews 12:5–6, and 8. When something is repeated, you know it is important and should be taken seriously.

The essential aspect to remember about God’s discipline is that God operates in love and grace. When you choose to listen to God’s correction through His Word, you will find it speaks life, faith, blessings, peace, and grace to you. Remember, the power of God’s Word can change your life!