Hebrews 12:2-7

2As we run, we must always look towards Jesus. He is the one who trusted God completely. Our faith starts with him, and he will help us to trust God all the way to the end. Jesus accepted punishment on the cross. He chose to receive much pain. He did not think about being ashamed to die like that. He knew that God had prepared something very good for him that would make him happy. Now he has sat down at the right side of God to rule with him in heaven.

3So think carefully about how Jesus lived on earth. Bad people did very bad things against him, but he continued to be strong. Think about him, and then you will not become weak as Christians. You will not stop trusting God.

4You have been fighting against sin in your lives. But you have not yet had to fight like that until someone killed you.

5God speaks to you as his children. Do not ever forget these words in the Bible that will make you strong: ‘My son, when the Lord shows you what is right, do not easily forget it. Do not be upset when he punishes you.

6The Lord does that to everyone that he loves. He punishes everyone that he accepts as a son.’

7When you have troubles in your life, you must be patient and strong. Remember that God is teaching you what is right because you are his children. There has never been any son whose father did not punish him.