A Peaceful Harvest

No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.

Hebrews 12:11

IT’S A SCENE that’s been played out for generations. A young girl runs to find her mom, tears streaming down her face, crying that her brother hit her after some silly argument. The mom confronts her son, but the boy denies any wrongdoing. “I didn’t do anything. I never hit her.”

The mom has witnessed all this before, however, and she sees the boy’s lowered eyes. She sees his shuffling feet, and she demands the truth. She remains firm until the boy says, “It was an accident” or “I didn’t mean to hit that hard” or “She started it.”

Then she nods. A wrong has been done. Rules have been broken, which means a punishment must be assigned. She sends the boy to his room and encourages him to think about what’s been done and what should have been done. The boy is angry, however, and he shouts bitter words as he leaves. The mom has heard such words before, and she says nothing. She waits.

Later, the mom again speaks with her son, offering gentle words. The boy listens. His anger is gone, replaced by guilt and regret. He apologizes to his mom and his sister. He learns not to react in anger. His relationship with his mom and sister is restored.

Most of us have experienced discipline from our earthly parents. And as Christians, we will also receive discipline from our heavenly Father. He has promised there will be negative consequences for us when we sin. Thankfully, he’s also promised that such discipline will not be in vain. And like the son in the story above, we will learn the lessons we need for future right living. God’s discipline will always lead to a harvest, to peace, if we’re willing to submit and accept what’s offered.