As for us, we have this large crowd of witnesses around us. So then, let us rid ourselves of everything that gets in the way, and of the sin which holds on to us so tightly, and let us run with determination the race that lies before us. Let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from beginning to end. He did not give up because of the cross! On the contrary, because of the joy that was waiting for him, he thought nothing of the disgrace of dying on the cross, and he is now seated at the right side of God’s throne.

Think of what he went through; how he put up with so much hatred from sinners! So do not let yourselves become discouraged and give up. For in your struggle against sin you have not yet had to resist to the point of being killed.

Hebrews 12:1-4

We rely on Jesus from beginning to end. He is our religion. He is our reason for being. We are all sinners. We all need discipline. God will correct us because He loves us. He confronts us, and makes us confront the sin. We are told not to despise the LORD’s chastening and not be discouraged when He rebukes us, because it all flows from His love for us.

Without God’s tough love where would we be today?

God is never cruel in His correction of us.

Our Daily Bread – April 16, 2002