Hebrews 12:1-15

1Therefore, since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every hindrance and the sin that so easily ensnares us. Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us,

2keeping our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. For the joy that lay before him, he endured the cross, despising the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

3For consider him who endured such hostility from sinners against himself, so that you won’t grow weary and give up.

4In struggling against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.

5And you have forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons: My son, do not take the Lord’s discipline lightly or lose heart when you are reproved by him,

6for the Lord disciplines the one he loves and punishes every son he receives.

7Endure suffering as discipline: God is dealing with you as sons. For what son is there that a father does not discipline?

8But if you are without discipline — which all receive  — then you are illegitimate children and not sons.

9Furthermore, we had human fathers discipline us, and we respected them. Shouldn’t we submit even more to the Father of spirits and live?

10For they disciplined us for a short time based on what seemed good to them, but he does it for our benefit, so that we can share his holiness.

11No discipline seems enjoyable at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

12Therefore, strengthen your tired hands and weakened knees,

13and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated but healed instead.

14Pursue peace with everyone, and holiness  — without it no one will see the Lord.

15Make sure that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no root of bitterness springs up, causing trouble and defiling many.