No chastening is pleasant either to the father or his son at the time, but the benefits are profitable. Few children believe it when their parents say, “This hurts me more than it hurts you.” But it is true just the same.

The Father does not enjoy having to discipline His children, but the benefits “afterward” make the chastening an evidence of His love.

What are some of the benefits? For one thing, there is “the peaceable fruit of righteousness” (Hebrews 12:11). Instead of continuing to sin, the child strives to do what is right. There is also peace instead of war—the peaceable fruit of righteousness.

The rebellion has ceased and the child is in a loving fellowship with the Father. Chastening also encourages a child to exercise in spiritual matters—the Word of God, prayer, meditation, witnessing. All lead to a new joy. Of course, the important thing is how God’s child responds to chastening.

He can despise it or faint under it, both of which are wrong. He should show reverence to the Father by submitting to His will, using the experience to exercise himself spiritually.

Remember this: “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” (Hebrews 12:11, NIV).

Also consider : Isaiah 35:3; Proverbs 4:26; Hebrews 12:5, 12-13;1 Timothy 4:7-8.

Action assignment: Think of four areas in which chastening can encourage you to exercise yourself spiritually. Ask God for strength during “training.”

WARREN W. WIERSBE
www.backtothebible.in