Happy is the one who endures testing, because when he has proven to be genuine, he will receive the crown of life that God promised to those who love him.
And have you forgotten the exhortation addressed to you as sons?“ My son, do not scorn the Lord’s discipline or give up when he corrects you.“ For the Lord disciplines the one he loves and chastises every son he accepts.”Endure your suffering as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is there that a father does not discipline?But if you do not experience discipline, something all sons have shared in, then you are illegitimate and are not sons.Besides, we have experienced discipline from our earthly fathers and we respected them; shall we not submit ourselves all the more to the Father of spirits and receive life?For they disciplined us for a little while as seemed good to them, but he does so for our benefit, that we may share his holiness.Now all discipline seems painful at the time, not joyful. But later it produces the fruit of peace and righteousness for those trained by it.
My child, do not despise discipline from the LORD, and do not loathe his rebuke.For the LORD disciplines those he loves, just as a father disciplines the son in whom he delights.
Think of how we regard as blessed those who have endured. You have heard of Job’s endurance and you have seen the Lord’s purpose, that the Lord is full of compassion and mercy.
I have indeed heard the people of Israel say mournfully,‘ We were like a calf untrained to the yoke. You disciplined us and we learned from it. Let us come back to you and we will do so, for you are the LORD our God.
