The Discipline of the Lord

12 Therefore, since we have such a great cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that lies before us, 2 fixing our eyes upon Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners against [fn]himself, so that you will not grow weary or lose heart. 4 In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 5 And you have completely forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons:

“My son, do not think lightly of the discipline of the Lord,

and do not lose heart when he rebukes you.

6 For the Lord disciplines the one he loves,

and he punishes every son he receives.”

7 [fn]For the sake of discipline you must endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? 8 If you do not experience discipline, which is something everyone receives, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. 9 Furthermore, we have all had earthly fathers who disciplined us, and we respected them. Should we not submit even more to the Father of spirits and live? 10 For our fathers disciplined us for a short time as seemed best to them, but God disciplines us for our good, so that we may share in his holiness. 11 Now no discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces the peaceful fruit of righteousness for those trained by it.

12 Therefore, lift up your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees. 13 Make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but healed instead.

14 Pursue peace with everyone, and holiness, for without it no one will see the Lord. 15 Make sure no one falls short of the grace of God and that no root of bitterness springs up and causes trouble, which would result in many becoming defiled. 16 And make sure there is no fornicator or profane person like Esau, who sold his birthright in exchange for a single meal. 17 You know that afterward, when he desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no opportunity for repentance, even though he sought the blessing with tears.