Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless,
afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.
Hebrews 12:11
I suggest you wisely consider the phrase “nevertheless afterward” in the above verse.
How full of meaning it is the “afterward.” As a believer we must give care that we do not diminish the great use of pain. It has been said that “the Psalms were crystalized in tears.” The great epistles of Paul were often written from prison. His imprisonment frequently preceded by a brutal beating. Often the truly valuable lessons from the great teachers have been received from those who were tutored in the school of sorrows. The noblest of character is often forged in the heat of the furnace. God is always, always concerned of the “afterward.” Never forget, it is for eternity, this life given by God, is preparing us for.
But there is more! Note that the “chastening” gives produce, specifically the produce of “righteousness.” Allow me to use the simile of holiness. When allowed to be used by God, sorrow results in a greater realization of His grace. We turn from the temporal of this earth and reflect and anticipate the grace of God. Anytime we are reflecting on His grace we are in the neighborhood of His holiness.
The fruit basket is not yet full. Like Ray’s Fruit Stand on Main Street, the colors are many, vibrant and of delight. In a time of difficulty… trial… chastening there is patience which is enduring and intent on running in the will of the Father; trust in the course He has authored for us; peace in His plan and His ways; righteousness in conforming us to the image of Christ; gentleness in our dealings with others and an increasing appreciation of the Father’s heart of love for us. This is fruit!
BFrom J.B. Philips, II Cor. 4:17-18: “These little troubles (which are really so transitory) are winning for us a permanent, glorious and solid reward out of all proportion to our pain. For we are looking all the time not at the visible things but at the invisible. The visible things are transitory: it is the invisible things that are really permanent.”
Maranatha!
P.S. I just read this, and in light of the above it is worth consideration. From Oswald Chambers-
“The most remarkable thing about the mastership of Jesus Christ is that He never insists on being Master. We often feel that if only He would insist, we would obey Him. Obedience to Jesus Christ is essential, but never compulsory; He will never take means to make me obey Him. Jesus Christ will always make up for my deficiencies, He always forgives my disobedience; but if I am going to be a disciple, it is essential for me to obey Him.”