Hebrews 12:9 Commentary and Bible Study

What is called for is reverence towards the one disciplining us. That means that we do not hold it against them as if it were a hostile act. We do something more long sighted than that. Even under severe discipline we learn to see that this is for our good. If at the time when we receive the discipline we are resentful, afterwards we adjust our perspective and tell ourselves that something was happening that we did not understand at the time. We were wrong to feel that way and it was our immaturity reacting. We make this allowance for earthly fathers in spite of what is said in the next verse. How much more should we make it for God, our heavenly Father! Reverence, godly fear and submission in all that he allows in our lives, is the only proper response. He is so much greater than us and so much wiser than us. How can we question what he is doing? How can we say, ‘You are too harsh with me; I would respond to something milder’? He is the Father of our spirits. He regenerated us and brought us to the new birth. His commitment to us is not for time but for eternity. He wants us to live and enjoy life in his presence. How can we profit from our heavenly Father’s discipline if we do not have reverence for him and accept his discipline humbly?