“Now no chastening [paideía: education or training, disciplinary correction] seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, AFTERWARD IT YIELDS THE PEACEABLE FRUIT OF RIGHTEOUSNESS to those who have BEEN TRAINED BY it. Therefore STRENGTHEN THE HANDS which hang down, and the FEEBLE KNEES, and make straight paths for your feet…and PURSUE PEACE with all people, AND HOLINESS, WITHOUT WHICH NO ONE WILL SEE THE LORD: LOOKING CAREFULLY LEST ANYONE FALL SHORT of the grace of God…” (Heb. 12:11-15) When we are chastised by the Lord it is either for training or correction and done to develop the PEACEABLE FRUIT OF RIGHTEOUSNESS IN US. Our response to this chastening should be to follow the straight path set before us, pursuing PEACE and HOLINESS, which is necessary for us to see the Lord. We must not fall short of God’s glory!!!
Therefore, having these promises, beloved, LET US CLEANSE OURSELVES from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, PERFECTING HOLINESS IN THE FEAR OF GOD…(2 Corin. 7:1)
-Bill Stockham