“The Love of Discipline”

To the weary soldiers,

I know your struggles are many, and the pain you’ve endured has been intense, but I ask you to endure hardship as loving discipline.

The pain of discipline can be hard to bear, but it’s temporary. Keep in mind that we undergo discipline to correct and humble us, so that we learn to depend on the One who disciplines and not to depend on ourselves. It also helps us to grow in love, obedience and holiness. I assure you, it will prove to be a good thing in the end. Over time, this discipline will strengthen you for success in the future by developing a righteous character within you.

If you accept this discipline as love, and are thankful in all circumstances because of your faith, you will have joy even though you face many difficulties.

When troubles come, you will be ready—trained to withstand them always, trained to focus on and to trust in the One who endured.

This patient endurance is not only good for you, but for those who are around you. You will help them also. Your steadfast hope will naturally encourage them and make the tough path easier to follow. Your conduct is important, so remember your influence so no one is misled.

I’m writing to you, hoping to change the way you view hardships, and to remind you that the pain is temporary, but necessary for refinement. Don’t lose heart when you are disciplined—be encouraged, be glad and see your situations through to the end. Keep the faith. This is your training—this is love.

This will help you endure to the very end. I hope this letter finds you well.

(Heb 12:4-13)

Love,

-WUL-