June 4, 2021

“My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline, and do not resent his rebuke, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.” –Proverbs 3:11-12

You are My child and I love you! I really do. If I didn’t, you would be running wild doing what you want, when you want without repercussions leading only to an eternity apart from Me. And you know as well as I that your decision-making apart from Me often leads to selfish sin. You are My child! You know that your sin is forgiven because of what I did at the cross and tomb. However, your sin still has earthly consequences and those are often relational. Your relationship with whom you love will be adversely affected. My heart breaks because I know you know this all too well. And…your relationship with Me is adversely affected–not because I walk away, but because you walk away in guilt and shame. Because I love you, I desire this destructive cycle to stop. This is why I discipline you, because I love you! My discipline for you may appear harsh, but know that it is a necessary cleansing of your heart. I know it often will not make sense to you. And it may even appear unfair. But trust me my beloved child. It’s all about our relationship first. I desire our relationship to be close and intimate. Unfortunately, your sin stains your heart and you push away from Me. But remember as My child, My love for you is unconditional. I know you try your best to love Me with all your heart, mind, soul and strength. And I love that you do. But focus more on My love for you. The overflow of My love enables you to be in My Presence and truly love Me and others the way I desire. This is the cycle I want for you. And this is why I discipline you. Because I love you!

“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.” –Psalm 51:10-12

“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.” –Hebrews 12:11

“We love because he first loved us.” –1 John 4:19