Discipline of God

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Sometimes, I wonder if God is this huge, giant, teddy bear. Constantly loving, holding us close, forgiving our mistakes and giving us His abundant grace. 

But, as surely as I have experienced his grace, I have also experienced His discipline. Sometimes, a gentle correction, sometimes a subtle warning, sometimes a slap in the hand. But, always constant in its presence. His restraint, His love, His discipline. 

Heb 12: (NIV) My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son." Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons.
Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. 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.

Discipline seems like a harsh word, and people usually never speak of it in the same breath, as they would talk about God's love or grace. Yet, wouldn't we be living shallow, empty lives, if we hadn't experienced God's discipline? 

If the God in the Bible is only the God of blessings, maybe I don't know this God. I'm thankful for his blessings. But, His discipline is as real as His love. 

The grace that brings salvation to us also disciplines us. We tend to equate discipline with rules and performance standards; God equates it with firm but loving care for our souls. It means that God is never angry with us, though He is often grieved at our sins. It means He does not condemn us or count our sins against us.
Where the law condemns, grace forgives through the Lord Jesus Christ. Where the law commands but gives no power, grace commands but does give power through the Holy Spirit who lives and works within us. - Jerry Bridges

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