HOPEbriefs | Tough Love Pays Dividends
Sometimes, love is tough.
The writer of Hebrews explains, “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it,” and “‘the Lord disciplines the one he loves'” (Hebrews 12:11, 6).
At Hope Academy, we understand that transformation of the heart takes not only kindness and compassion, but discipline, high expectations, and accountability. Shevon’s story is a beautiful illustration of this.
Shevon, now a junior, is a talented actor. Her freshman year, she earned a lead role in Hope‘s spring drama. At the same time, Shevon’s academic focus and drive were slipping. She was failing classes, and not living up to her God-given potential.
In an act of tough love, her teachers told Shevon that she could not continue inHope‘s production. It was a difficult conversation.
“My teacher knew it was going to be tough for me, so we prayed. Of course, I was still mad at him, but I remember knowing that he still cared about me,” shared Shevon. “I realized I needed to make some changes.”
Fast-forward one year, and Shevon made one of the biggest turnarounds at Hope. Her GPA jumped more than any other student from that spring to the next.
What’s more, Shevon has developed character and perseverance. She has learned the value of tough love and discipline, and her example is an inspiration to others.
Thank you for your support in this sometimes unpleasant but fruitful endeavor. May the Lord continue to direct our hearts into God’s love, and Christ’s perseverance.
