MAY 19

Hebrews 12:5-11
Memorise Hebrews 12:11
“For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth”

When we do something wrong, there will always be consequences to our actions. Because our parents love us, they will not allow our misdemeanours to go unpunished. To do so would be a dereliction of their duty, and make them irresponsible parents! Yet we acknowledge that they are fallible, and so there are times whereby they may overreact or even punish us unfairly. However this is not so for our heavenly Father. He knows our every thought and deed, and will discipline and chastise us when we sin, but He will always do so in a most perfect and just manner, in accordance to His holy will. Why? Because He is a father who loves us, and desires that we be pure and holy.

Discipline is hard and painful work, not only for the child, but also for the parent. No one likes it. Yet a parent would do it out of love for their children, wanting to guide them in the right ways. I am also sure we can all agree that discipline is certainly something that is necessary. If children were not disciplined, and wrongdoings were not punished, we would have a chaotic society of spoilt, selfish and unruly people. The Bible clearly tells us that the Lord will chasten His children out of love (Hebrews 12:6). Our response to such chastisement must be one of humble submission. We subject ourselves to His firm guiding hand, knowing that though the process may sometimes be grievous, yet it is for our own good. What God wants of us is a life of purity and holiness. When we are wayward, God may send a trial or setback to wake us from our spiritual slumber, leading us to repent and return to Him..

Dear teens, how do you respond when you face difficulties and trials in your lives? Do you take time to examine your life, and see if God has a message for you? Perhaps He is disciplining you, prompting you to repent of a certain sin, and return to Him. We must always be sensitive to God’s guidance, and ready to receive His rebuke. If we are living in sin, and nothing is happening to us, do not think that this means that God approves of our actions. It could very well be that you are not yet His child (Hebrews 12:8).

Thought: When a child is moved to tears, not from fear of punishment, but because he has repented, he needs no chastisement.
Prayer: Our heavenly Father, as I honour my parents, may I also honour You and accept all that Thy loving hand sends to my life.