Hearing and accepting God’s correction is vital to our spiritual growth. God’s discipline is different from flawed human correction; it is meant to confront our sins, lead us to repentance, and ultimately bring about healing and righteousness in our lives. God’s correction, while challenging, is designed to transform us and align us more closely with His will. As Christians, we are called to support one another through correction. When done with love and grace, correction leads to restoration and growth. Be open to receiving correction from trusted Christian friends, mentors, or leaders who can provide godly counsel and help you grow. 

 

Day 1      Hebrews 12:5-11

Reflect: For what reasons does God discipline us? What kinds of discipline are related to sinful behavior? Is that the only time God corrects us? What results when God disciplines us? 

Apply:  Why do you/we so dislike discipline and correction? When was the last time you heard a word of correction from God? When has God prompted you to correct someone?

Pray:     Heavenly Father, help me to endure Your discipline and correction in my life with wisdom and grace, knowing that You are conforming me into the image and likeness of Jesus.  Give me a teachable and humble spirit.

 

Day 2      Acts 9:1-19

Reflect: How is Saul’s conversion a story of Jesus’ love, correction, and discipline? What was the purpose of Saul’s blindness? Why do you think He included Ananias in Saul’s story? 

Apply:   Has the Lord ever physically disciplined you? Who has He used to correct you and lead you to repentance? When have you experienced scales falling from your eyes?

Pray:    Mighty God, open my eyes to see more of the Lord Jesus as did the apostle Paul; and to see more of the power of His resurrected life working in me. I pray that everything I say and do may be done for Your glory. 

 

Day 3      Luke 10:38-42

Reflect: How would you describe the manner in which Jesus corrected Martha? Why did He speak to her about her behavior? How have you seen yourself in this story? 

Apply: When has Jesus corrected you in some way by means of comparison? When is that an appropriate means of discipline and when is it not? Does this story speak to you now?

Pray:   Father God, please let nothing hinder me from placing Jesus first in my life. I pray You use me to influence others to see that Jesus should be their primary concern.

 

Day 4     Luke 22:24-27

Reflect: How would you describe the manner in which Jesus corrected the disciples? From what was He protecting them and why? Into what was He wanting to transform them? 

Apply:    How have you experienced God protecting you from something through correction? When has He pointed you to His behavior as a model for you to follow? 

Pray:      Lord, thank You for the beautiful example of Your sacrificial service. May I reflect Your goodness, greatness, humility and grace in service to others.

 

Day 5      John 21:15-22

Reflect: How would you describe the manner in which Jesus disciplined Peter? From what behaviors was He correcting Peter?  

Apply:    How has Jesus brought you back into right relationship with Him after a sinful behavior or response? When has Jesus told you to worry about yourself or to rid yourself of jealousy?

Pray:     Jesus, with Your Spirit, strengthen my faithfulness, renew my passion for holiness, rekindle my commitment, and restore me to service in Your Kingdom.  

 

Put it into Practice

Spend time in prayer and self-reflection this week, asking God to reveal areas in your life where you may be off track or need His correction. As God reveals these areas to you, respond with repentance and a willingness to change, trusting that His discipline is for your ultimate good.