SEPTEMBER 16
MATTHEW 7:4_Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, let me pull out the mote out of thine eye…
There are times when disciplinary action is the best solution. Hebrews 12:6 (KJV), “For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.”
Notice, God equates punishment with love. Why? Because if I see you heading over a cliff I’ll run and knock you down if I have to – in order to save your life. It would not matter if I had warned you many times a cliff was ahead. It would not matter if there were warning signs posted along the way. If you have a problem with rebellion, you are blind – not physically, but spiritually.
Proverbs 3:12 (KJV) follows the same love theme, “For whom the Lord loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.” This is what is known as tough love.
Love is motivated by what is best for the other person, regardless of what it may cost me. The Lord always administers discipline with love, but it doesn’t always feel that way. I’m sure the apostle Paul being blinded, half out of his mind, and unable to eat for three days, felt far from loved. He did not know if he would ever see again.
I’m sure he felt judged.
PRAYER
Holy Redeemer, Help me know Your discipline comes from love. In the powerful name of Jesus, Amen.
Christ loves enough to discipline—He loves me!
The Works of Her Hands 