1Therefore, since we also have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every impediment and the sin that so easily entangles us and run with perseverance the race set before us.2looking to Jesus, the founder and finisher of the faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, despising its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God.3For consider him who has endured such hostility from sinners against himself, so that you may not grow weary and become faint in your souls.4You have not yet resisted to the point of blood in your struggle against sin.5And you have forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons: My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him.6For the Lord disciplines the one whom he loves, and chastens every son whom he receives.7It is for discipline that you endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline?8If you are without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons.9Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live?10For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness.11All discipline for the moment does not seem to be joyful but painful, yet later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.12Therefore strengthen the drooping hands and the weak knees.13And make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed.