Revelation 3:19 Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent.
No one likes being disciplined. We all remember what it felt like to get in trouble as a child, to be chastened, punished, and corrected. It was not a pleasant experience as a child, and it is no more pleasant an experience as an adult. Discipline is hard, but it is essential. We need discipline to be able to help us learn.
Whether you are a parent with children or children with parents, discipline is likely something we have all experienced and understand. But what motivates discipline? Why do we have to go through it? Contrary to belief, discipline stems from love. If there was no love behind the action, there would be no need to do it because no one would care. But because we care, because we want to see people act appropriately, to see them grow, to see them excel, we redirect misbehavior with correction. And it all comes from the affection we feel for the one being disciplined.
It is never easy. As a parent, I have cried as I disciplined my children because it is hard to see them upset. But because I love my children, I do what needs to be done to redirect them and correct their behavior.
And we are no different as children of God. When we feel conviction we should act immediately to bring about change. There are consequences for our behaviors and the process of correcting them can be painful. But God loves us and wants what is best for us. He wants us to follow His commands and walk in His ways, and at times we need some correction to push us back onto the path of righteousness after we wander off.
Confess your sins and turn away. That is what repent means. Make the changes in your life. Take the steps to correct your indiscretions. And replace it all with righteousness and holiness. Be earnest and repent.
Prayer: Lord, When I stumble from the path, fill me with conviction so that I will be reminded to repent and turn back to the path of righteousness. Amen
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