Hebrews 12:1–17

The Example of Jesus

¹²Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely,^q and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us,^{* 2}looking to Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith, who for the sake of^r the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God.^*

³Consider him who endured such hostility against himself from sinners,^s so that you may not grow weary in your souls or lose heart.^{* 4}In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. ⁵And you have forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as children—

“My child, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord

or lose heart when you are punished by him,^*

⁶for the Lord disciplines those whom he loves

and chastises every child whom he accepts.”^*

⁷Endure trials for the sake of discipline. God is treating you as children, for what child is there whom a parent does not discipline?^{* 8}If you do not have that discipline in which all children share, then you are illegitimate and not his children.^{* 9}Moreover, we had human parents to discipline us, and we respected them. Should we not be even more willing to be subject to the Father of spirits and live? ¹⁰For they disciplined us for a short time as seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share his holiness.^{* 11}Now, discipline always seems painful rather than pleasant at the time, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.^*

¹²Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees^{* 13}and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed.^*

Warnings against Rejecting God’s Grace

¹⁴Pursue peace with everyone and the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. ¹⁵See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God, that no root of bitterness springs up and causes trouble and through it many become defiled.^{* 16}See to it that no one becomes an immoral and godless person, as Esau was, who sold his birthright for a single meal.^{* 17}You know that later, when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no chance to repent, even though he sought the blessing^t with tears.^*