During our childhood, we were all disciplined by our parents and teachers. We were punished or even physically disciplined when we made mistakes. Hebrews 12:5-11 uses the word “discipline” eight times to say that the LORD does discipline His children:

        “…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?” (Hebrews 12:6-7)

        The word “chasten” can also be literally translated as “whipped.” It is true that in the process of discipline, the LORD may “whip.” But His discipline and punishment always arise from a genuine relationship.

        Supposing you are a teacher and you see a group of students smoking in a corner outside the school. As a teacher, would you step in to correct them? You would probably first check the uniform of which school they are wearing. If they are students from your school, you would naturally discipline them, counsel them and punish them in the hope that they will change. If, however, they are students from another school, you can at most offer advice. You have no authority to discipline them. This is because they are not your students, and you have no relationship with each other.

         A genuine relationship is a prerequisite. The Book of Hebrews presents an argument understood by all: A father will certainly discipline his sons. Then the passage asks rhetorically: “Which father does not do this?” All “true sons” are disciplined (12:8). So all legitimate “sons” undergo discipline from their “father.” This is to help them wake up from wrong doings and thinking and turn back to the right path.

         Hebrews also encourages us: “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you” (12:5). Such a description provides great comfort. Our Heavenly Father disciplines us not because He rejects us, but because He treasures us. He genuinely affirms our relationship with Him.

         Our Heavenly Father also “disciplines” us through the church. The English translation of this passage uses the word “discipline” (meaning「紀律」in Chinese). When a brother or sister encounter serious issues in their lives, the church needs to carry out discipline in accordance with biblical principles. Church discipline is not meant to harshly punish those who err. Rather, it is based on truth and administered out of love. This is the principle that every pastor and church leader must firmly uphold when administering church discipline.

          At times, brothers and sisters may run from discipline or resist it. Such reactions are understandable. Hebrews also says: “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” (12:11).

          Nevertheless, the LORD disciplines those He loves. So, please do not run from church discipline. Please choose to accept help and genuinely face God and man. Those who would submit and accept will experience peace. Such is the authentic experience of many brothers and sisters who have undergone the disciplinary process.