God's Discipline

The purpose of discipline is not to punish for punishment's sake, but to correct one's attitude and behavior. Hebrews 12 makes it very clear that God discipline's his children. Why would He do this? Verse 6 reminds us that it is because of love God disciplines us.

I wonder how often we actually acknowledge God's discipline in our lives instead of dismissing it as something else. And I wonder how often we actually submit to God's discipline in our lives. We're told the results are beneficial.

... How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live!... but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. Hebrews 12:9-11 NIV

Usually, before we get to the place of an attitude adjustment, we go through all kinds of emotions. Sometimes we may feel hurt or rebellious. The hope is that we would feel Godly sorrow.

Even if I caused you sorrow by my letter, I do not regret it. Though I did regret it - I see that my letter hurt you, but only for a little while - yet now I am happy, not because you were made sorry, but because your sorrow led you to repentance. For you became sorrowful as God intended and so were not harmed in any way by us. Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.
2 Corinthians 7:8-10 NIV

Godly sorrow isn't sadness over the consequence of our actions. It's sorrow that reveals an acknowledgment of sin and a true change in heart - ie, repentance. That's the goal of discipline!