7/11/25 Daily Devotion: Cringe Or Thrive

Hebrews 12:11 - “For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.”

Discipline. 😬

The Greek word used here that is translated to discipline is paideia, defined as:

• training & education

• cultivation of mind & morals

• commands & admonitions

• reproof & punishment

• cultivating the soul

• correcting mistake & curbing passions

• instruction which increases virtue

Why do we cringe at the word discipline? … we don’t like to receive it OR give it!

• We don’t like discipline because ALL discipline seems PAINFUL for a moment, for a time, for a season … it is uncomfortable, it involves change, often requires an element of sacrifice, it is challenging & difficult … we don’t like ANY of that!

• But we absolutely NEED all of that!

Discipline is both INSTRUCTIVE and CORRECTIVE … we don’t have to screw up to receive God’s Discipline!

• God’s Discipline can teach, instruct & show us the right way to live.

• God’s Discipline can admonish & correct us when we live the wrong way.

Why should we appreciate and actually DESIRE Discipline?

• God uses Discipline to STRENGTHEN us.

• God uses Discipline to DIRECT us.

• God uses Discipline to give us FOCUS.

• God uses Discipline to DEVELOP & GROW us.

• God uses Discipline to refine our PURPOSE.

• God uses Discipline to produce RIGHTEOUSNESS in us.

• God uses Discipline to bring us PEACE.

• God uses Discipline to BLESS us.

When we lean on our own understanding … we will dwell on the pain, struggle & discomfort of God’s Discipline in our lives.

When we ACKNOWLEDGE HIM in all our ways … we will appreciate with Gratitude His Loving Discipline to grow us in His Righteousness!

Discipline … don’t avoid it!