As parents, we are all too familiar with the challenges of raising children. Naturally, the nurturing of children encompasses many things, including training, educating, and disciplining them.
We, as children of God, can also be subjected to "disciplinary action," or "chastening" by God Our Father, if He so chooses. This, not as a result of anger or spite, but as a loving, caring act to help us grow and develop spiritually.
The Greek word for "chasten" is paideuó (παιδεύω), a verb meaning: to train, to educate, to discipline, to instruct, to correct. Within the framework of the NT, it oftentimes refers to the corrective actions dispensed by God for our spiritual growth and maturity.
This idea is based on the understanding that discipline, though occasionally unpleasant, is a manifestation of love and is ultimately meant to be beneficial to the recipient.
In the OT, yakach (יָכַח), a Hebrew verb meaning: to reprove, to correct, to argue, to decide, to judge is used, for example, in Proverbs 3:11-12. Here, it underscores the loving nature of God's fatherly discipline.
Many of us don't relish the idea of being reprimanded, disciplined, or chastised for something, even by God. Against our better judgment, we may rebel or dig our heels into the ground when faced with this situation.
The Israelites repeatedly resisted God on numerous occasions. Moses in Numbers 27:12, David in 1 Chronicles 28:3, and Solomon in 1 Kings 11:11 are a few better-known examples from Scripture. All made mistakes, all were disciplined by God.
Did God stop loving Israel or these mighty men from the Bible? No! The discipline He handed out was appropriate for their actions. No more, no less. Regardless of what they did, God always loved them and wanted what was best for them.
When we commit sin, we should anticipate with a degree of certainty that God won't let us get away with it. Thankfully God is infinitely patient and loving. He knows who and what we are better than we do (Psalm 139:1-6).
And though His discipline may seem uncomfortable, it is always done in love and never from hatred. If our hearts are truly repentant for our sinful actions, God will always restore our relationship.
Scripture: Job 5:17; Proverbs 13:1; Romans 12:2; Hebrews 12:11; Revelation 3:19
Prayer: "Dear Lord, help me to understand the lesson You are teaching me through this chastisement. Show me how walk in Your ways and resist temptation., Amen."
In Christ's Love,
Alissa
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