The need for discipline in our home at this stage feels… well, constant. Necessary, yes—but also wearying. If I’m honest, it can be discouraging, especially when we lose sight of why we’re doing it in the first place.
So this week, we returned to God’s Word for fresh perspective—the classic passage that grounds both the goal and purpose of discipline in the heart of God Himself:
“For the Lord disciplines the one he loves…”
7 It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? 8 If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. 9 Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? 10 For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. 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.” (Hebrews 12: 6-11)
From this passage, we’re reminded of five steady truths—ones we long to reflect in our own parenting:
He disciplines us out of His love.
He disciplines those who belong to Him—His sons and daughters.
He disciplines us for our good, that we may share in His holiness and bear the peaceful fruit of righteousness.
Discipline is often painful in the moment, not pleasant—but it is purposeful.
Discipline is training—an essential part of discipleship, of growing up in Christ.
One evening during family worship just this week, we walked through this passage together. We reminded ourselves that just as the Lord disciplines us because He loves us, we too are called to discipline our children out of love—for their good, and for what God is forming in them.
If you need a reset like we did, here’s a simple way to walk through this passage as a family:
Start with a question:
“If you were a parent, what kind of discipline would you give your kids?”
(Let them imagine freely—it’s often insightful!)
Read together:
Hebrews 12:6–11
(Have readers follow along or take turns reading)
Ask and discuss:
What does it mean that God “disciplines” His children?
Why does God discipline us?
(Because He loves us; for our good; to lead us toward holiness and a peaceful life.)When might God need to discipline us?
(Parents sharing personal examples helps make this real)What does it mean that discipline leads to holiness and the ‘peaceful fruit of righteousness’?
(this needs fleshing out a little bit to connect up how discipline is really for our benefit)
How should earthly parents reflect God’s heart in discipline?
How can we remember that mom and dad discipline us because they love us and want the best for us?
We ended that night with a simple phrase—something we can return to over and over again in moments of discipline:
“They LOVE us and it is for our GOOD!”
Say it together. Practice it. Let it settle in.
Why do mom and dad discipline? Because…
“They LOVE us and it is for our GOOD!”
That one evening was just what we needed. It brought clarity, steadiness, and a renewed sense of purpose. Discipline hasn’t suddenly become easy—but it’s become clearer.
And that clarity gives us strength to keep going. May it do the same for you, dear parent, in whatever stage you are in.
That we may all (eventually and gradually) share in His holiness!
From My Heart and Home to Yours,
Ali
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Homes of Glory provides biblical encouragement & practical tips to help families stay grounded and growing in Jesus Christ.
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