Divine Correction

Today’s Verse:

My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction: For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth. ~Proverbs 3:11-12

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An important aspect of raising children is the necessity of chastening, or discipline. Chastening is exercised to correct bad and improper behavior in children. In Ephesians 6:4, parents are commanded to raise their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. The word “admonition” has the same meaning as chastening. Let us see how God uses divine correction in the life of a child of God.

We see the purpose.

Chastening is divine discipline at work in producing holiness in the child of God. Hebrews 12:10 tells us that God uses chastening for our profit, that we might be partakers of His holiness. No chastening is exercised to punish us, but, rather, to bring to our attention things in our life that do not please God. The hurt and tears in chastening result in holiness and triumph for the believer.

We see the paternity.

“For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.” As our Heavenly Father, God knows what is best for us. His chastening in our lives represents His Fatherly love for us. Chastening demonstrates that we are sons of God. When the law is broken, a convicted individual is subject to discipline that is harsh and severe. It is punishment given with idea of retaliation for the wrong that was done. With chastening, the goal is to correct bad behavior and, ultimately, conforming more to the image of Christ.

We see the patience.

“My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction.” Chastening can be difficult and over an extended period of time. The one being disciplined can become spiteful and impatient with the Lord. That’s why we are told to despise not God’s chastening, nor to become exasperated with God. When God allows difficult and trying events to happen in our life, He knows that the process will need to be according to His required time table so that we can be brought to the place of humility, complete contriteness, and submission to His will.

We see the prudence.

“Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.” Chastening makes us wiser in avoiding sin and disobedience. We are also given understanding that we should be living in God’s will for our life. Wisdom gives us insight and foresight. We learn to not travel the wrong road twice and that sin always has consequences. We also learn that chastening produces the peaceable fruit of righteousness in our life. It has lasting consequences that we will look back and thank God for.

Chastening is divine discipline for the believer. It is when God, out of love, must correct us for walking astray. Accept God’s chastening with patience, and let it produce holiness and perfection for the glory of God.

Have a corrected God Morning!

Bible Reading Schedule: Ezekiel 18-20

#Chastening #Correction #Discipline #Proverbs