No discipline seems pleasant at the time. Instead, it seems painful. But later on it produces a harvest of godliness and peace for those who have been trained by it.
Our troubles are small and they last only for a short time, but they’re earning a glory for us that will last forever. That glory outweighs all our troubles.
They stare at women who are not their wives and want to sleep with them. They never stop sinning. They trap people who aren’t firm in their faith. They’re experts in being greedy. But they’re under a curse.
Now there’s a crown waiting for me, the crown that’s given to those who are right with God. The Lord, who judges fairly, will give it to me on the day he returns, and not only to me, but also to all those who are longing for him to return.