Chastening is evidence of the Father’s love. Satan wants us to believe that the difficulties of life are proof that God does not love us, but just the opposite is true. Sometimes God’s chastening is seen in His rebukes from the Word or through circumstances. At other times He shows His love by punishing us with some physical suffering. Whatever the experience, we can be sure that His chastening hand is controlled by His loving heart. The Father does not want us to be pampered babies; He wants us to become mature adult sons and daughters who can be trusted with the responsibilities of life.

All of us had a father, if this father was faithful, he had to discipline us. If a child is left to himself, he grows up to become a selfish tyrant. A father chastens only his own sons and daughters, and this is proof that they are his children. We may feel like spanking the neighbors’ children (and our neighbors may feel like spanking ours), but we cannot do it. God’s chastening is proof that we are indeed His children.

The Bible says: “Know then in your heart that as a man disciplines his son, so the Lord your God disciplines you” (Deuteronomy 8:5, NIV).

Also read: Ephesians 1:4-7; Hebrews 12:7-11; 1 John 3:1-2.

Action assignment: Think of a current difficulty God has allowed in your life. Thank Him that whatever He allows is controlled by His loving heart.