What does Hebrews 12:6 mean?
This verse closes out a quotation from Proverbs 3:11–12. That passage indicates that a loving father—especially God—takes an active role in the growth of a child (Ephesians 6:4). God purposefully corrects us when we make mistakes, and places us in situations that we can use for spiritual development. As stated in earlier verses, even victorious heroes of the faith were subject to earthly suffering. The greatest example of all was Jesus, who suffered terribly despite being sinless (Hebrews 12:3). And yet, Jesus saw His hardships as part of God's good plan (Hebrews 12:2).The point being made is that Christians should not respond to persecution or hardships with bitterness or despair. This is especially true if and when our experiences are not as extreme as those others have endured. On the contrary, we should see God's discipline—His "training"—as a sign that He is engaged in our lives and has a plan and purpose for us to fulfill.
Hebrews 12:3–17 builds from a description of heroes of the faith, culminating in Jesus Christ. Those who came before were loved by God and honored by God, and yet they suffered hardships in this world. In this passage, the writer makes it clear that suffering is often God's way of building us up and training us, not necessarily a sign of His displeasure. Christians who respond to trials by seeking God, in faith, can avoid the fate of less-faithful men, like Esau.
Chapter 11 explained the victories of some of the Old Testament's greatest heroes. It also explained their sufferings and persecution. This chapter uses those examples as a ''cloud of witnesses'' to prove that God does not abandon us when we suffer. In many cases, He uses those experiences to ''train'' us, as if we were athletes, to make us stronger. In other cases, it's the same kind of discipline that a child receives from a loving father. Unlike the old covenant, which rightly inspired fear and dread, the new covenant offers us peace. As with any other matter of truth or falsehood, we should cling to what's true, so that we can be part of ''a kingdom that cannot be shaken.''
