The Motive of Chastening

Hebrews 12:6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.

INTRODUCTORY THOUGHTS

One who has little understanding of chastening might suggest that God’s chastening is an act born of hatred, but it actually represents an overflowing love from the heart of God. God expresses His motives for chastening His children in Hebrews 12:6 when He says, “For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth.” Again in Revelation 3:19 the Lord says, “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten.” This again displays a distinction between punishment and chastening. The source of punishment could be construed as anger, justice, or wrath, but the motive of true biblical chastening involves the purest form of love. This means that chastening does not merely benefit the one implementing the chastening, but takes place for the good of the one chastened.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

(For children):Would you want your parents to love or hate you? Love involves chastening (Proverbs 13:24). You do not like it at the time, but you need it when you misbehave (Proverbs 15:10). God and your parents would always rather see you do right (Lamentations 3:33).

(For everyone):If chastening is an act of love, how could you identify those in your life who have truly loved you? Who would you list as ones who have loved you the most when considering chastening?

(For everyone):Has God ever chastened you? How does the truth that chastening is founded upon love change how you feel about anytime in the past when you were chastened? What does it suggest about your relationship with God?

PRAYER THOUGHTS

Thank God for loving you enough to chasten you.

Ask the Lord to give you the proper attitude toward chastening.

SONG

Be Still, My Soul

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