And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons?

(A)“My son, (B)do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord,
    nor be weary when reproved by him.
For (C)the Lord disciplines the one he loves,
    and chastises every son whom he receives.”

It is for discipline that you have to endure. (D)God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? If you are left without discipline, (E)in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to (F)the Father of spirits (G)and live? 10 For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, (H)that we may share his holiness. 11 (I)For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields (J)the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

12 Therefore (K)lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, 13 and (L)make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint (M)but rather be healed.

Read full chapter

Bible Gateway Recommends

ESV Thinline Bible--buffalo leather, brown
ESV Thinline Bible--buffalo leather, brown
Retail: $79.99
Our Price: $41.58
Save: $38.41 (48%)
5.0 of 5.0 stars
Ephesians, ESV Illuminated Scripture Journal
Ephesians, ESV Illuminated Scripture Journal
Retail: $6.99
Our Price: $4.79
Save: $2.20 (31%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars
ESV MacArthur Study Bible, 2nd Edition--soft leather-look, brown
ESV MacArthur Study Bible, 2nd Edition--soft leather-look, brown
Retail: $79.99
Our Price: $41.58
Save: $38.41 (48%)
5.0 of 5.0 stars
ESV Thinline Bible, Genuine Leather, Black
ESV Thinline Bible, Genuine Leather, Black
Retail: $59.99
Our Price: $29.14
Save: $30.85 (51%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars
ESV Student Study Bible, Trutone, Green with Mosaic Cross Design
ESV Student Study Bible, Trutone, Green with Mosaic Cross Design
Retail: $44.99
Our Price: $19.99
Save: $25.00 (56%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars