Love in Chastening

 •  2 min. read  •  grade level: 9
 
"As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten" (Revelation 3:19).
"Whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom He receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby" (Hebrews 12:6-7,11).
"Blessed is the man whom Thou chastenest, O Lord, and teachest him out of Thy law" (Psalm 94:12).
"Behold, happy is the man whom God correcteth: therefore despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty" (Job 5:17).
When chastening comes to God's children,
It is not sent in wrath from above;
His purpose is always for blessing,
The motive is ever His love.
For 'tis "Whom the Lord loveth, He chastens"
As a father chastises his son,
And we need His reproof and correction,
Until life upon earth here is done.
'Tis in wisdom He deals with His children
And in love He puts faith to the test;
He marks out the time for the trial—
For He knows what is needful and best.
Through chastening, scourging, correction
This ever the comfort may be;
'Tis through love He allows the affliction—
He purposes blessing for thee.
So if we endure the chastisement,
And are exercised as to His mind,
The fruit of the trial is blessing,
And joy after sorrow we'll find.
The trials of faith are most needful,
And are sent from a wise, loving hand,
To work in the lives of His children
The eternal purpose He's planned.
May faith soar above the affliction,
With patience, endurance, and trust
In the heart of a merciful Father,
Who ever is righteous and just.
For He says, when He chastens His children,
It is never in wrath on His part,
But with wisdom and infinite mercy,
'Tis through love, and compassion of heart.
“I know, O Lord, that Thy judgments are right, and that Thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me" (Psalm 119:75).
“Though I have afflicted thee, I will afflict thee no more" (Nahum 1:12).