On a human level, parents discipline children in keeping with what they believe to be for the child’s good. But parents are imperfect and sometimes make mistakes. God, on the other hand, is holy and perfect. His discipline is always for our ultimate good. His discipline is seldom pleasant and sometimes painful, but His purpose is to guide us back to the pathway of righteousness and peace.

Those two words, righteousness, and peace must never be separated. Most of us crave “inner peace” – the removal of all anxiety. We want our emotions, thoughts, desires, and actions to relate to each other harmoniously. We also desire peace in our relationships. But there can be no peace on any level if we do not live in keeping with the Creator’s design.

Scripture calls us to live righteously by choosing the right path and obeying the rules of God. When we walk in righteousness, we experience peace. This is always God’s desire, and His discipline is intended to move us to this higher ideal.

Take time to pray and thank God for His discipline, even though it stings sometimes. Ask Him to help you understand why He is disciplining you and what you need to do about it.

Discuss together or reflect on these questions:

How do you show love in the midst of discipline?

What does God’s discipline feel like? Explain.

What is getting in the way of peace and harmony in your relationship with your loved one?

Consider these passages for further study on discipline.

Job 5:17-18 “Blessed is the one whom God corrects;
    so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty.^[a]
18 For he wounds, but he also binds up;
    he injures, but his hands also heal.

Psalm 119:67-75

Before I was afflicted I went astray,
    but now I obey your word.
⁶⁸ You are good, and what you do is good;
    teach me your decrees.
⁶⁹ Though the arrogant have smeared me with lies,
    I keep your precepts with all my heart.
⁷⁰ Their hearts are callous and unfeeling,
    but I delight in your law.
⁷¹ It was good for me to be afflicted
    so that I might learn your decrees.
⁷² The law from your mouth is more precious to me
    than thousands of pieces of silver and gold.

י Yodh

⁷³ Your hands made me and formed me;
    give me the understanding to learn your commands.
⁷⁴ May those who fear you rejoice when they see me,
    for I have put my hope in your word.
⁷⁵ I know, Lord, that your laws are righteous,
    and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me.

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

The hardest for me is understanding and realizing the discipline we need to help us grow. Keep praying for strength as you grow to overcome the discipline you need. Great thoughts of Gary Chapman.