THE DISCIPLINE OF TRUE LOVE
“Do not disdain the discipline of the Lord.” –Hebrews 12:5
Mass Readings: February 1
First: Hebrews 12:4-7,11-15;Resp: Psalm 103:1-2,13-14,17-18;Gospel: Mark 6:1-6
To fight against sin, we need to be so determined that we will die rather than sin (Heb 12:4). The Lord often gives us this grace of determination through discipline. This discipline will come in the form of “scourgings” (see Heb 12:6-7). Consequently, “at the time it is administered, all discipline seems a cause for grief and not for joy, but later it brings forth the fruit of peace and justice” (Heb 12:11). Therefore, “do not disdain the discipline of the Lord” (Heb 12:5).
If we truly love people, we will hate sin because sin is so harmful to people. To resist sin, we need the discipline of the Lord. Therefore, true love implies that we receive the discipline of the Lord. There can be no true love without discipline.
However, “discipline is like her name, she is not accessible to many” (Sir 6:23). Nonetheless, “search her out, discover her; seek her and you will find her” (Sir 6:28). “Her fetters will be your throne of majesty; her bonds, your purple cord. You will wear her as your robe of glory, bear her as your splendid crown” (Sir 6:30-31).
As a disciple of the Lord, accept and do not disdain the discipline of the Lord of love.
PRAYER: Father, love me into accepting Your discipline.
PROMISE: “As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him.” –Ps 103:13
PRAISE: George put a Scripture quote on his business cards and checks.
Attend Monthly Bible Quiz – February 2017 (English and Tamil)
