Hebrews 12:4-17

4You have not yet resisted to the point of bloodshed in your struggle against sin.

5And have you forgotten the exhortation addressed to you as sons? “My son, do not scorn the Lord’s discipline or give up when he corrects you.

6“For the Lord disciplines the one he loves and chastises every son he accepts.”

7Endure your suffering as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is there that a father does not discipline?

8But if you do not experience discipline, something all sons have shared in, then you are illegitimate and are not sons.

9Besides, we have experienced discipline from our earthly fathers and we respected them; shall we not submit ourselves all the more to the Father of spirits and receive life?

10For they disciplined us for a little while as seemed good to them, but he does so for our benefit, that we may share his holiness.

11Now all discipline seems painful at the time, not joyful. But later it produces the fruit of peace and righteousness for those trained by it.

12Therefore, strengthen your listless hands and your weak knees,

13and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but be healed.

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

15See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God, that no one be like a bitter root springing up and causing trouble, and through him many become defiled.

16And see to it that no one becomes an immoral or godless person like Esau, who sold his own birthright for a single meal.

17For you know that later when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no opportunity for repentance, although he sought the blessing with tears.