Despise Not God’s Chastening
Proverbs 3:11-12 - “My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction: [12] For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.”
Chastening or chastisement is not a welcoming experience, but it is necessary. All of us have experienced discipline from our parents. I received plenty as well, growing up in a Christian family.
In retrospect, I now appreciate all the discipline I received from my parents, especially my father when he reprimanded me and applied the “board of correction” on me because of my ill behavior. It took me some time to learn not to disobey.
My dad, a typical Filipino man, did not show any emotion one way or another. His goal was to teach me an important lesson. My mother was the one who tried to comfort me by explaining and praying with me not to misbehave again. I realized the importance of discipline early in life.
Our heavenly Father applies discipline to His children. He does it not to punish but to teach and transform us into people He wants us to be. He remains steadfast and consistent in His desire to change us, always with mercy and grace.
God's children must not be displeased when being chastised. We must welcome it with a willing heart since this expresses God’s love for His children whom He wanted to transform. We deserve correction for committing sins or mistakes we all know would result in chastisement. It is God’s way of turning what could have been bad, even worse, into something good that will change our life direction with a greater purpose.
“Despise” is a stronger word than "hate" in expressing negative emotions. When we “despise" something or someone, it implies a more profound level of contempt, disgust, or strong dislike than hatred. God understands when we feel bad or remorseful because of the sins we commit. But to despise God’s discipline is another act of rebellion against the good and pure intention of the Lord.
God, as our spiritual parent, will never give up on us. He will continue to teach us, guide us, and rebuke us until we learn. Let us not be weary in His correction. When we welcome God’s chastisement with grace and maturity, He will make it an experience that will bless us for the rest of our lives.
A loving parent disciplines. He does not punish. Punishment has no value except to inflict pain and suffering. It usually turns into abuse. There is no good result in punishment. It harbors ill feelings and produces an unforgiving spirit. Too often, those who are punished feel unjustly treated and become abusers themselves.
Punishment does not result in a transformed life. It results in a callous heart and a vindictive spirit. As parents, we must learn from our Heavenly Father, who chastices His children with love and grace. Yes, it will result in pain, but it is like going through surgery to take out whatever causes our illness. It is unpleasant to go under a knife, plus the risks it can cause. However, it is necessary.
The same is true with discipline from the Lord. When we are disciplined, we are not the only ones broken and affected. The Father is always grieved when we sin, and He also feels sad to see us suffer the consequences of our mistakes.
Divine discipline is divine justice. He has to correct the wrong. God does not punish; He enforces what the law demands - a just punishment to those who continue to reject His acts and offer of grace.
God delights not in seeing His children suffer. He delights because justice is satisfied for those He loves. He is delighted because His discipline would result in the transformation of a child He cares and loves.
Our Prayer for today:
We thank you, Lord, for your discipline. We appreciate your desire to correct and transform us into the people you want us to be. May we trust you when we are being chastised, knowing that it is not your desire to punish us but to transform us. Help us not to go against your loving desire but to yield to your correction willingly. In Christ's Name. Amen!