We are not expected to like it-but we are told not to despise it

(J.R. Miller)

"My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord." Proverbs 3:11

The Bible always talks to us as children. Chastening comes with a Father's authority-and also a Father's gentleness.

Of course, it is not possible that we should really find pleasure in being chastened. That is not natural. Indeed the Bible says, "No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful." Not even the grace of God in our hearts can take the sting out of chastening. We are not expected to like it-but we are told not to despise it. That is, we are to accept it without murmuring, without complaining, and submissively-as God's messenger to us, bringing a blessing.

It will help us to receive chastening meekly, in faith and love-if we remember that it is our heavenly Father who sends it. We know that He loves us with infinite affection. He does not take pleasure therefore in causing us pain, nor would He do it at all-were it not in some way for our good. It is because He loves us and would do us good-that He sends or permits the suffering.

We should never despise any instruction our Father gives us, however costly and painful it may be. He lets us suffer because He loves us-and would make our lives beautiful and holy.

We should be willing to endure any pain or trial, in order to have the likeness of Christ fashioned in our life.

"God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. 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 12:10-11