No one likes to be disciplined. It’s painful and humiliating. It reminds us that we are flawed and that we have failed. Job tells us of the blessings of correction. If there is someone who would know about correction it would be Job. He was righteous in God’s eyes and Satan asked to test him. Everything was taken away from him and he was still able to say “Blessed is the one whom God corrects.” How do we learn to react like him?
Job 5:17-18
Blessed is the one whom God corrects; so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty. For he wounds, but he also binds up; he injures, but his hands also heal.
Temporary Pain
Discipline is tough. On one hand we deserve it but on the other hand, it’s tough to take. We easily accept a God who loves and provides for us but we have a difficult time with one who corrects us. Look at the words used here: “Blessed is the one”. The child who is disciplined is thankful for it, often later in life. That correction provided more than the temporary pain, it provided direction and instruction. Sometimes correction is the most loving thing we can do to a person. While we may not understand it when it is happening we do understand later in life.
Correction Heals
Correction is a blessing because it heals. The same hand that wounds binds up. If a parent cares enough to discipline he will care enough to heal. The parent that doesn’t discipline often doesn’t care enough for the soul of the child and thus lets the behavior fester because they are unwilling to speak the loving things that bring healing.
Benefits Last a Lifetime
The blessings of correction come in many different ways, most of which we never expect. Don’t despise the chastening of the Lord. It is needed right now but the benefits last a lifetime. Job went through the toughest challenge but once it was over God restored everything back to him. Go through your discipline and see what God does on the other side.
