Jesus told the chief priests and Pharisees plainly, “The kingdom of God will be taken from you and given to a nation bearing the fruits of it” (Mt 21:33-43). Those who prided themselves on having authority to destroy whomever they thought unworthy, were themselves unworthy.
When we come to God, he breaks our self-righteous pride. It is painful, but much more desirable than the alternative. Our Lord put it this way, “whoever falls on this stone will be broken; but on whomever it falls it will grind him to powder” (Mt 21:44).
The author of Hebrews wrote, “No chastening at the present time seems joyful, but rather painful. Nevertheless it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness by those who have been trained by it” (Hebrews 12:11).
If you have recently been embarrassed by your behavior or come to a new understanding of how your choices have negatively affected others, grieve, but do not despair. See it for what it is, God both chastening you and teaching you how rich and abundant is his mercy. He still loves you deeply.
