Loved Into Holiness
A loving hand that corrects is the same hand that guides, leading us into the holiness of Jesus.
Devotional Credit: eManna by Witness Lee
Photo Credit: Unsplash
God’s fatherly discipline is not a sign that we are cast off. Witness Lee helps us see that it is a loving confirmation that we belong to the family. Hebrews 12 says the Father of spirits disciplines His sons and daughters for our good so that we may share His holiness. The hand that corrects is the same hand that embraces. When He trains us, He is not lowering our worth. He is drawing us more deeply into the life of Jesus that already dwells within us.
This discipline is purposeful. It aims at participation, not punishment. The Father is not polishing up our old life so it can perform better. He is shaping our real life, the life we received in union with Jesus, so that what is true of us in Him becomes visible in ordinary moments. In this way, discipline is an expression of grace. It invites us to rest in the indwelling Christ rather than scramble in self-effort.
We often misread difficulty as rejection. Scripture says the opposite. Those whom the Lord loves He disciplines. Only those inside the household receive this training. The goal is that we might partake of His holiness, not by straining to imitate Jesus from a distance, but by yielding to His life within. As we abide, our responses begin to look like His because they are produced by Him.
Witness Lee’s reminder steadies the heart. The Father does not discipline to take life from us, but to free us from what does not belong to us anymore. He continues the work until His holiness is seen in real choices, real relationships, and real words. When correction comes, we can welcome it as family training that leads to joy.
Journal Entry – Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture
Beloved, you are Mine. I correct you because I love you, not to condemn you, but to confirm you as My child. I train you for your profit so that you may share My holiness. I am not asking you to perfect yourself. I am working in you to will and to do what pleases Me.
When circumstances press on you, do not shrink back. Remember that you were crucified with Jesus and now you live in Him. Sin is no longer your master. I conform you to the image of My Son, from one degree of glory to another. What looks like loss is often pruning of what cannot remain, so that the life of Jesus may be seen more clearly in you.
Receive My correction with a grateful heart. I began a good work in you, and I will bring it to completion. I sanctified you in Jesus once for all, and I am faithfully setting your daily steps apart for My purpose. Yield to Me in the small moments. Let My peace rule your heart. I am with you, and I am for you.
Scripture References: Hebrews 12:5-11; Proverbs 3:11-12; Revelation 3:19; Romans 8:28-29; Galatians 2:20; Romans 6:4-11; 2 Corinthians 3:18; Philippians 1:6; Philippians 2:13; 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24; 1 Peter 1:14-16; Hebrews 10:10, 14; Colossians 1:22; James 1:2-4; Psalm 119:67, 71; Deuteronomy 8:5; Job 5:17; 1 John 3:2-3; John 15:2.
Real-Life Analogy
Think of a washing machine’s cycle. There is soaking, then agitation, then a strong spin. The noise and shake are not there to ruin the clothes, but to release what does not belong and to leave everything cleaner and lighter. Loving discipline works the same way. Seasons that jostle us are not proof that God has walked away. They are signs that He is removing what clings to us so that the new life of Jesus shines through.
A simple practice for today: when a conversation turns tense or a plan is interrupted, pause and say, “Lord, I trust You to live Your life through me in this moment as You form Your holiness in my response.” Then answer gently, or wait before you speak, or choose honesty over image. Yield the moment and watch His life do what effort cannot.
Prayer of Confidence
Lord, I thank You that Your discipline is loving and purposeful. In Jesus I am Your child, and You train me so I may share Your holiness. I rejoice that You began this good work and You will complete it. I rest in Your presence, trusting You to express Your life through me in corrections large and small today.